Gomphrena Gnome is an ideal garden plant in areas that have hot and humid summers. Gomphrena Gnome is an extra dwarf and compact plant that is easy to grow and carefree. Extremely basal branching with strong flower stems. Plant height is approximately 8 inches/20 cm. tall and is ideal for production in 3 - 4 inch / 8 - 10 cm. pots. Gomphrena Gnome is available in pink, purple, white and mix with inch/1.2 cm flowers. Gnome is a healthy looking garden plant with dark green foliage that contrasts nicely with the vibrant flower colors.

Seed is sold as clean seed for ease in sowing

Plug Stage – 288 cell-5 weeks
Stage 1 (days 1-10) Single sow seed of Gomphrena Gnome into plug trays using a well-drained sterilized media with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. Lightly cover the seed with vermiculite and keep moist at a temperature of 77 °F/25 °C.

Stage 2 (days 11-21) When seedlings begin to emerge reduce moisture and place in a bright and well ventilated greenhouse. Lightly fertilize seedlings with 75 ppm Nitrogen from a well-balanced calcium nitrate-based fertilizer. Optimum day temperature is 75-78 °F/24 – 26 °F with a night temperature of 65 °F/18 °C.

Stage 3 (days 22-30) Maintain optimum temperatures and an E.C. of 1.0 to1.5 (2:1 slurry) with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. High pH can reduce boron availability which causes edge burn and chlorotic foliage. Supplying 0.25 ppm of Boron when fertilizing is recommended.

Stage 4 (days 31-35) The plants are approaching transplant stage. Reduce moisture and fertilizer levels to tone the plants and prepare them for transplanting.

Transplant Stage 5-7 weeks
Pack/Pots: Gomphrena Gnome can be sold green in jumbo packs or with color showing in 3-4 inch/8-10 cm. pots.

Fertilizer: Gomphrena prefers a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 with a media E.C. of 1.0 to 1.5 (2:1 slurry).

Light: Gomphrena Gnome is native to desert areas and tolerates high light. Optimum light levels range from 5,000-10,000 foot candles/53,000-106,000 lux.

Timing: As bedding plants, allow seven to 10 weeks from sowing for packs and twelve weeks for flowering in 4 inch/10 cm. pots.

Marketing tips: Gomphrena Gnome makes a nice component plant in mixed containers with Petunia Merlin, Portulaca Sunseeker, Vinca Victory and Zinnia Profusion. Ideal for borders and edging. Tolerates high heat and dry conditions.

Cultural watch points: Be sure to allow sufficient drying in between irrigations to avoid rhizoctonia.