Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is one of the toughest annuals you can grow from seed: it shrugs off heat, humidity and dry spells, blooms from early summer to frost, and its papery, clover-like flower heads hold their color for months when dried. The best seed packet depends on what you want from it. A mixed packet of purple, pink and white gives the classic cottage-bed look; a tall mix gives longer stems for cutting and drying; a single color, usually purple, gives a uniform border. Below we compare seven current Amazon listings, including a tall cutting mix, two purple packets, a red option and a couple of bulk packs for mass plantings, and cover how to get this sometimes slow germinator started.
In this guide
- 1. Outsidepride Mixed Gomphrena, 1000 Seeds — Best Overall
- 2. Sow Right Seeds Tall Mixed Globe Amaranth — Best for Cutting and Drying
- 3. Sow Right Seeds Purple Globe Amaranth — Best Single-Color Purple
- 4. Wily Fox Purple Gomphrena, 1000 Seeds — Best Bulk Purple Packet
- 5. BuggyBeds Mixed Globe Amaranth, 1050 Seeds — Best Mixed Bulk for Arrangements
- 6. Generic Gomphrena Globosa, 1000 Seeds — Best for Mass Plantings
- 7. BULBORIUM Red Gomphrena Globosa, 100 Seeds — Best Red Option
- What to Look For in Globe Amaranth Seeds
- Frequently Asked Questions
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How we compared: we compared 7 current Amazon listings on what each listing states (seed count, colors, height, germination guidance and spacing). We did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outsidepride Mixed Gomphrena 1000 | Best overall mixed packet |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Sow Right Tall Mixed Globe Amaranth | Best for cutting and drying |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Sow Right Purple Globe Amaranth | Best single-color purple |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Wily Fox Purple Gomphrena 1000 | Best bulk purple packet |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| BuggyBeds Mixed Globe Amaranth 1050 | Best mixed bulk for arrangements |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Generic Gomphrena 1000 Seeds | Best for mass plantings |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| BULBORIUM Red Gomphrena 100 | Best red option |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re new to the plant, our full guide on how to grow globe amaranth covers site, care and harvest in depth. This page focuses on choosing seed. For more heat-tolerant annuals and perennials, browse our flowers and perennials guide.
1. Outsidepride Mixed Gomphrena, 1000 Seeds — Best Overall
1,000 mixed Gomphrena globosa seeds for pom-pom blooms up to 24 inches tall, with clear sowing guidance.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Most detailed growing guidance on the shelf
- States 7 to 10 day germination
- Listing notes deer resistance
- Large 1,000-seed count
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Gomphrena globosa, mixed colors |
| Seed count | 1,000 |
| Height | Up to 24 in |
| Spacing | 18 in, 1 to 2 seeds per spot |
| Soil pH | 6.5 to 7.6 |
| Germination | 7 to 10 days |
Outsidepride OP-GOMPMIX-1000 — compressed specs
Outsidepride gives the most complete planting information of any listing here: sow 1 to 2 seeds per spot at 18-inch spacing, don’t cover the seed, keep sowing temperatures under 75°F per the listing, and expect germination in 7 to 10 days. It also states a soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.6, a tolerance for poor soils, and that the plants are deer-deterrent. The mix produces globe-shaped blooms in multiple colors on bushy plants up to 24 inches tall.
The listing labels the plant suitable for USDA zones 3 to 10, which simply reflects that it’s grown as a summer annual nearly everywhere. With 1,000 seeds, one packet covers a large border with plenty left for succession sowing or next year. Compared with the Sow Right mix, it’s a better value for big plantings, while Sow Right’s tall mix gives longer stems for cutting.
Pros
- Clear spacing and sowing directions
- Large seed count
- Deer-deterrent per listing
Cons
- Color proportions not stated
- Shorter than tall cutting mixes
- More seed than small gardens need
Check Outsidepride Mixed Gomphrena 1000 price on Amazon
2. Sow Right Seeds Tall Mixed Globe Amaranth — Best for Cutting and Drying
Tall mixed white, pink and purple globe amaranth with 1-inch globes; about 215 seeds per packet.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Tall plants for longer stems
- Lists white, pink and purple colors
- Germination guarantee stated
- Days to maturity given
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Colors | White, pink and purple |
| Seed count | Minimum 500 mg, about 215 seeds |
| Height | 24 to 30 in (listing also says 1 to 2 ft) |
| Germination | 7 to 14 days at 70 to 80°F soil |
| Spacing | 12 to 18 in |
| Maturity | 80 to 85 days |
Sow Right Tall Mixed Globe Amaranth — compressed specs
For a cutting garden, stem length matters, and this is the shelf’s tall option. Sow Right describes bushy plants 24 to 30 inches tall with 1-inch globes in white, pink and purple, although a second line in the listing gives 1 to 2 feet, so expect some variation. It’s specific about conditions: germination in 7 to 14 days at soil temperatures of 70 to 80°F, a light covering of soil, full sun and 12- to 18-inch spacing, with seed heads maturing in 80 to 85 days.
The packet is smaller than the bulk options, about 215 seeds, but that’s plenty for a cutting row or a few beds. Sow Right states it will make it right if seeds don’t germinate, and notes the Safe Seed Pledge.
Pros
- Taller stems for bouquets
- Clear temperature guidance
- Germination guarantee
Cons
- Smaller seed count
- Height figures vary within listing
- Needs warm soil to sprout
Check Sow Right Tall Mixed Globe Amaranth price on Amazon
3. Sow Right Seeds Purple Globe Amaranth — Best Single-Color Purple
Purple Gomphrena globosa that holds its color when dried; about 215 seeds, 5 to 10 day germination.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Uniform purple for formal borders
- Fastest stated germination range here
- Tighter 8 to 12 inch spacing
- Blooms hold color when dried
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Purple |
| Seed count | Minimum 500 mg, about 215 seeds |
| Height | 1 to 2 ft, 8 to 12 in spread |
| Germination | 5 to 10 days at 70 to 80°F soil |
| Maturity | 85 to 100 days |
Sow Right Purple Globe Amaranth — compressed specs
Purple is the classic globe amaranth color and the one that dries most vividly. A single-color packet gives a clean edging or mass planting where mixed colors can look busy. Sow Right’s purple listing states germination in 5 to 10 days at 70 to 80°F soil, spacing of 8 to 12 inches, plants 1 to 2 feet tall, and seed heads maturing in 85 to 100 days. Closer spacing than the mixes makes it good for a dense border.
Pros
- Uniform color
- Quick stated germination
- Good for dense edging
Cons
- Smaller packet
- Longer stated maturity than the mix
- Single color only
Check Sow Right Purple Globe Amaranth price on Amazon
4. Wily Fox Purple Gomphrena, 1000 Seeds — Best Bulk Purple Packet
1,000 heirloom purple Gomphrena globosa seeds for borders, containers, cutting gardens and dried bouquets.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- 1,000 seeds of a single purple color
- Heirloom and non-GMO per listing
- Suggested for containers and walkways
- Positioned for dried crafts and wreaths
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Purple |
| Seed count | 1,000 |
| Height | Not stated in listing |
| Light and soil | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Germination | Not stated in listing |
Wily Fox Purple Gomphrena — compressed specs
If you want purple in quantity, such as a long border, multiple containers or a dedicated drying row, this packet gives roughly five times the seed of the Sow Right purple. The trade-off is less detail: it doesn’t state height, spacing or germination timing, so use the general guidance in the buyer’s guide below. It’s described as heirloom and non-GMO and suited to cottage gardens, patio containers, borders and cutting gardens.
Pros
- High seed count
- Single uniform color
- Versatile uses listed
Cons
- No height or spacing stated
- No germination timing
- Newer brand with less detail
Check Wily Fox Purple Gomphrena 1000 price on Amazon
5. BuggyBeds Mixed Globe Amaranth, 1050 Seeds — Best Mixed Bulk for Arrangements
1,050 mixed Gomphrena globosa seeds in purple, pink and white for beds, borders and bouquets.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Largest seed count on our list
- Names purple, pink and white in the mix
- Describes long stems for bouquets
- Holds color through summer heat
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Gomphrena globosa |
| Seed count | 1,050 |
| Colors | Purple, pink and white |
| Bloom period | Summer into fall |
| Germination | Not stated in listing |
BuggyBeds Mixed Globe Amaranth — compressed specs
BuggyBeds offers the biggest packet on the shelf at 1,050 seeds and names the colors in the mix: purple, pink and white. It describes long-stemmed flowers suited to fresh bouquets and retaining pigment when dried. Like the Wily Fox packet, it skips specifics on height, spacing and germination, so it’s best for gardeners comfortable with the basics who want quantity. For a cutting garden with known height, Sow Right’s tall mix is the more predictable choice.
Pros
- Largest seed count
- Colors named
- Good for bouquets
Cons
- No growing specifics
- Height not stated
- Color ratio unknown
Check BuggyBeds Mixed Globe Amaranth 1050 price on Amazon
6. Generic Gomphrena Globosa, 1000 Seeds — Best for Mass Plantings
1,000 annual globe amaranth seeds for direct sowing; listing says blooms in about 10 to 12 weeks.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- States time to bloom
- Direct-sow instructions
- No deadheading required per listing
- Blooms early summer to frost
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | 1,000 |
| Colors | Mixed |
| Time to bloom | As little as 10 to 12 weeks |
| Sowing | Direct sow after last frost, barely covered |
| Height | Not stated in listing |
Generic Gomphrena 1000 — compressed specs
This unbranded 1,000-seed packet is aimed at large beds and drought-tolerant plantings. Its most useful detail is timing: it says plants begin blooming in as little as 10 to 12 weeks from direct sowing, which helps you plan. It recommends sowing after the last frost and barely covering the seed. Listing spelling is inconsistent (it misspells the species name), a reminder that unbranded packets vary; buy from a seller you can contact if germination disappoints.
Pros
- Large packet
- States bloom timing
- Simple direct-sow method
Cons
- Unbranded
- No height or spacing
- Listing has typos
Check Generic Gomphrena 1000 Seeds price on Amazon
7. BULBORIUM Red Gomphrena Globosa, 100 Seeds — Best Red Option
100 red Gomphrena globosa seeds for cut and dried flowers; plant outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after last frost.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Only red-flowered packet on the shelf
- Clear outdoor planting timing
- States 10 to 14 day germination
- Good accent among purple and white
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Seed count | 100 |
| Germination | 10 to 14 days |
| Planting | Outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost |
| Light and soil | Full sun, well-draining soil |
BULBORIUM Red Gomphrena — compressed specs
Most globe amaranth packets are purple, pink and white; red adds a strong accent in a mixed bed or drying bundle. This small packet of 100 seeds states red flower heads that work fresh or dried, germination in 10 to 14 days, and outdoor planting 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost. The listing doesn’t name a cultivar, so shade may vary. Buy it as an accent alongside one of the larger mixes rather than as your main planting.
Pros
- Unique red color
- Clear timing
- Small packet for an accent
Cons
- Only 100 seeds
- No cultivar named
- “Extra rare” claim is marketing
Check BULBORIUM Red Gomphrena 100 price on Amazon
What to Look For in Globe Amaranth Seeds
Height and purpose
Dwarf types around 8 to 12 inches suit edging and containers; standard and tall types of 18 to 30 inches suit borders and cutting. If you plan to dry flowers, prioritize taller plants for longer stems. Be skeptical of listings that call globe amaranth a perennial or a vine; Gomphrena globosa is a bushy, frost-tender annual in most of the US.
Seed count vs detail
Packets on this shelf range from 100 to 1,050 seeds. Large unbranded packets are useful for mass plantings, but established seed companies usually give more precise germination temperatures, spacing and days to maturity, which helps first-time growers.
Germination tips
- Warmth is key: Gomphrena germinates best in warm soil, around 70 to 80°F per the Sow Right listings. Cold soil leads to slow, patchy germination.
- Soak first: Many growers soak the fluffy seeds in warm water overnight to speed germination.
- Covering: Listings differ: some say leave seed uncovered, others say barely cover. A very light dusting of soil or vermiculite keeps seed moist without blocking light.
- Start indoors for earlier blooms: Sow 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost on a heat mat, and transplant after frost danger has passed.
Harvesting for drying
Cut stems when the flower heads are fully colored and firm, before they elongate and fade. Strip leaves, bundle 10 to 15 stems with a rubber band, and hang upside down in a dark, dry, airy spot for two to three weeks. Pair globe amaranth with other dried-flower favorites; our roundups of celosia seeds and zinnia seeds cover good companions for a heat-loving cutting bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is globe amaranth an annual or perennial?
Gomphrena globosa is a frost-tender annual in most of the US. It may persist through winter only in frost-free areas.
How long do globe amaranth seeds take to germinate?
Listings on this shelf state about 5 to 14 days in warm soil. Cool soil slows germination considerably.
Should globe amaranth seeds be covered?
Guidance varies by seller. A very light covering of fine soil or vermiculite keeps seeds moist while letting light through, which works for most growers.
Does globe amaranth attract pollinators?
Yes. Butterflies and bees visit the flowers through summer, which is why it’s popular in pollinator and cottage gardens.
Can I grow globe amaranth in containers?
Yes. Choose a pot with good drainage, full sun and a compact or standard variety. Water when the top inch of soil is dry; it tolerates drought once established.