Audray Purple-red Gomphrena is an open-pollinated cultivar of globe amaranth bred for tall, uniform stems and consistent flower production. Growing 18 to 28 inches tall with a bushy habit, this variety reaches harvestable flowers in 95 to 110 days from sowing. Its deep purple-red blooms work equally well as fresh cut flowers or as reliable bedding plants, delivering color from midsummer through frost without fussiness.
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Moderate
10-11
28in H x ?in W
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High
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Audray Purple-red produces the tall, straight stems that florists and cut-flower growers prize, with flowers that emerge in rich jewel tones and hold their color beautifully whether fresh or dried. The uniformity of plant height across a planting bed makes it especially valuable for commercial and ornamental growers who need consistent, marketable stems. Unlike many gomphrenas that sprawl or require constant pruning, this cultivar's natural architecture stays upright and tidy.
Audray Purple-red shines as a cut flower, with stems sturdy enough to arrange in vases where they last for weeks. It also anchors beds and borders as a reliable, long-blooming bedding plant that fills space without requiring deadheading to keep flowering. The flowers dry exceptionally well, making them valuable for dried arrangements and winter bouquets.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost in 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers. Cover lightly with 1/8 inch of growing media. Keep soil warm and moist until germination. Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting.
Transplant seedlings outside after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 6 inches apart in full sun. Gomphrena is sensitive to cold, so wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.
Direct seeding is not recommended for this cultivar. Indoor seed starting gives better results and more uniform plants.
For cut flowers, harvest stems when blooms are in color but before they fully open; they'll continue to mature in the vase and last longer. For dried flowers, wait until blooms are completely open and fully colored, then cut stems and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space. Peak flowering runs from mid-summer through first frost.
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