Is gomphrena a cool flower?
Chef's answer
Gomphrena is a lot of fun for me to harvest because the flowers are pretty tough. They are actually a dry, papery bract-like flower - similar to strawflower or winged everlasting - and they can survive out of water easily, although the stems do wilt rather quickly if harvested in hot weather.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
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When brewing, add your flowers to a teapot (or directly to a glass), then pour over 85 degree water. A squeeze of lime juice helps bring out the colours and flavors. You van add sweetener as desired. Brew the tea for 5 minutes, and enjoy the many benefits of the prettiest tea this side of anywhere..
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Although not native to North America, neither the Gomphrena species nor its cultivars are invasive or aggressive. They may self-seed, but not extensively, and seedlings are easily removed if not wanted in the garden..
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This low-maintenance annual (perennial in mild climates) is a showstopper in the garden and makes a great addition to a fresh or dried flower arrangement with its eye-catching blooms. Gomphrena 'Fireworks' forms a dense basal clump of leaves..
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Gomphrena may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as a potted plant. Sowing Seed Indoors: ... Raise the lights as the plants grow taller..
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Pinch off wilted gomphrena blooms, as deadheading keeps gomphrena neat and tidy and prevents the plant from going to seed too early. To deadhead, pinch the faded bloom with your fingernail. Include the attached stem down to the next bloom, bud or leaf. Plant gomphrena in full sunlight.
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Gomphrena lends itself well to cutting, as it has a long vase life. In the garden, it goes well with plants such as lantana and rudbeckia, both of which thrive in Northern California..
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Gomphrena is a lot of fun for me to harvest because the flowers are pretty tough. They are actually a dry, papery bract-like flower - similar to strawflower or winged everlasting - and they can survive out of water easily, although the stems do wilt rather quickly if harvested in hot weather.
A few more cooking questions 📍