Gomphrena Seeds,
Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields is the Gomphrena haageana of the group, and like its globosa cousins it has no frost tolerance at all. Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your last frost date and move the plants out once all danger of frost has passed; where you would rather skip transplanting, direct sow outdoors after that date. Germination runs 5 to 14 days at an ideal germination temperature of 70 to 75°F, and the plants hit their stride at 70 to 78°F. Since the 18-inch cutting stems are the whole point of this variety, give the planting an open, sunny spot where they can run up straight.

• Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all chance of frost has passed, or direct seed outdoors after last frost.
• Ideal germination temperature is 70-75 F.

• Plants prefer full sun.
• Plants are considered quite heat and drought tolerant.
• Plants prefer well-drained soil.
• Space plants 6-8 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• A generally pest-free plant.
• Plants will suffer from oedema if overwatered consistently.

• Pollinated by bees, butterflies and other insects.
• Allow the flowerhead containing the seeds to mature completely and dry on the plant, then clip it off and place it in a container.
• Working over the top of another clean, opened container, rub the flowerheads between the palms, breaking them apart.
• The seeds can be separated from the chaff by first screening and then winnowing.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place over winter.