To grow Gomphrena Strawberry Fields, you have a couple of options. You can either start the seeds indoors in seed trays or directly sow them into the ground after the danger of frost has passed. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Starting indoors:
1. Begin by filling seed trays with a good quality seed starting mix. Make sure the mix is loose and well-draining.
2. Sow the Gomphrena Strawberry Fields seeds about 5mm (1/4″) deep in the seed trays. You can spread them out or plant them in rows, depending on your preference and the size of your trays.
3. Place the trays in a warm and well-lit location, ideally near a sunny window or under grow lights.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can mist the trays with water to avoid disturbing the seeds.
5. Seedlings should emerge within 14-21 days. Once they reach a height of about 5cm (2″), they are ready for transplanting.
Direct sowing:
1. Wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up before sowing the seeds directly into the ground.
2. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade. Gomphrena Strawberry Fields can tolerate both conditions.
3. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening it with a garden fork or tiller. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil fertility.
4. Sow the seeds directly into the prepared soil, again about 5mm (1/4″) deep. You can scatter them or plant them in rows, depending on your preference.
5. Water the area gently to settle the soil around the seeds and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Once the seedlings are ready for transplanting (around 5cm or 2″ tall), you can move them to their final growing position. Choose a spot that receives full sun or partial shade, depending on your climate and the intensity of sunlight in your area. Gomphrena Strawberry Fields can tolerate a range of soil types but prefer well-drained soil.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling and gently place the seedling into the hole. Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the base of the plant. Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them establish.
Throughout the growing season, make sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Gomphrena Strawberry Fields are fairly low-maintenance, but occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth and prolific flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can also encourage continuous blooming.
Gomphrena Strawberry Fields can be grown from seeds either indoors or directly sown into the ground. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Transplant the seedlings when they reach about 5cm (2″) tall, and provide regular watering and occasional fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
