Pink Billy Buttons

Growing Conditions 

Climate: 

• Native to tropical and subtropical regions of northern Australia but adaptable to temperate zones.
• Thrives in temperatures between 3°C–38°C and tolerates humidity. 
• Perennial in tropical climates (QLD, NT, northern WA) but grown as an annual in cooler regions (e.g., VIC, NSW). 

Soil: 

• Requires well-draining soil (sandy, loamy, or clay) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
• Avoid waterlogged conditions. 
• Enrich soil with compost before planting. 

Sunlight: 

• Full sun (6 hours daily) is essential for prolific flowering. 

Water: 

• Moderate watering during establishment.
• Mature plants are drought tolerant but perform best with occasional deep watering in dry spells. 

 Sowing from Seed 

Timing: 

• Sow in spring or early summer when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 20°C.
• In tropical areas, autumn sowing is also possible. 

Method: 

Seed Starting Mix:

• Use a well-draining seed mix blended with perlite or sand. 
• Sowing Depth: Lightly press seeds 3mm below the surface. 

Germination:

• Keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Germination takes 14–21 days at 20–25°C. 

Transplanting:

• Move seedlings to the garden when they reach 5cm tall, spacing 20–30cm apart. 

Direct Sowing: 

• Scatter seeds in prepared beds and thin seedlings later.
• Ideal for mass plantings. 

Care & Maintenance 

Feeding: 

• Apply a liquid fertiliser every 1–2 weeks during flowering to boost blooms. 

Pruning: 

• Tip prune young plants to encourage bushier growth. 
• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. 

Pest Management: 

• Rarely affected by pests but watch for aphids and spider mites.
• Control naturally with companion plants like basil or marigolds. 

Overwintering: 

• In frost free zones, cut back plants post flowering to encourage regrowth.
• In colder regions, treat as an annual. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Best Companions: 

• Marigolds (*Tagetes*): Repel nematodes and aphids; bright blooms attract pollinators. 
• Zinnias: Share similar sun/soil needs; add contrasting colours and attract butterflies. 
• Salvia: Drought tolerant and upright, providing vertical contrast. 
• Cosmos: Airy foliage complements Gomphrena’s globe flowers; attracts bees. 
• Basil: Deters pests and offers culinary use; lush foliage contrasts with Gomphrena’s texture. 
• Australian Natives:  Sturt’s Desert Pea thrives in similar dry conditions.  Eucalyptus provides light shade and habitat for beneficial insects. 

Plants to Avoid: 

• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes): Risk of disease transmission. 
• Aggressive Annuals (e.g., petunias): Compete for nutrients and space. 

Harvesting & Uses 

Cut Flowers: 

• Harvest blooms when fully open.
• For drying, hang bunches upside down in a ventilated, dark space. 

Culinary/Medicinal: 

• Flower buds are edible and used in teas or as garnishes. 

Troubleshooting 

 Poor Germination:

• Ensure soil warmth (>20°C) and avoid overwatering. 

 Leggy Growth:

• Provide more sunlight or prune for denser habit. 

 Powdery Mildew:

• Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.