Growing and Caring for Gazania: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Gazania, also known as treasure flower or African daisy, is a vibrant perennial that adds a burst of color to gardens in warm climates. With its daisy-like flowers and easy maintenance, this hardy plant is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Growing Conditions
Light: Gazania thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of unfiltered sunlight per day. In areas with intense heat, afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the flowers from closing prematurely.
Soil: Gazania prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH (around 7.0). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and conditions, including sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic or alkaline soils.
Water: Gazanias are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Gazanias do not require supplemental fertilizer in most cases, as they are adapted to low-fertility soils.
Types of Gazania
Gazania flowers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including red, orange, yellow, white, and pink. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Chansonette’ series: Flowers early, ideal for short growing seasons
- ‘Creamsicle’: Ivory petals with a bronze center disk, ideal for white flower gardens
- ‘Daybreak’ series: Yields large flowers quickly from seed in sunset colors or stripes
- ‘Kiss Bronze’: Two-tone petals of orange and gold
- ‘Sunbather’s Sunset’: Paprika petals that stay open into the evening
- ‘Sundrop’: Monochromatic gold petals and disks
- ‘Talent’ series: Silver foliage that contrasts vividly against bright flowers
- ‘Tiger Stripes’: Red or hot pink stripes on white or gold petals
Pruning
Pruning gazanias is not essential but can help maintain their shape and encourage new growth. In late winter or early spring, cut back overgrown foliage to a few inches above the ground.
Propagation
Gazanias can be propagated by seed, basal cuttings, or division.
From Seed: Start seeds indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds in seed-starting mix and keep them moist. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
From Basal Cuttings: Take basal cuttings from the base of the plant in the fall. Plant them in pots filled with good-quality potting soil and keep them indoors in a bright location. Transplant the cuttings outdoors in spring.
From Division: Divide established gazania plants in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots into individual sections. Replant the sections and water them deeply.
Growing in Pots
Gazanias are well-suited for growing in containers. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the gazanias at the edge of the pot so that their trailing habit can soften the container’s edges.
Overwintering
In cold climates, gazanias can be overwintered indoors. Dig up the plant in the fall and plant it in a pot filled with potting mix. Keep the pot in a cool, sunny window and water it when the soil surface is dry.
Common Pests and Diseases
Gazanias are generally trouble-free, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, and powdery mildew. Monitor your plants regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
Troubleshooting
- Why aren’t my gazanias blooming? Gazanias may not bloom if they are not receiving enough sunlight, if the soil is too wet, or if they are not receiving enough nutrients.
- How can I encourage more blooms? Ensure that your gazanias are getting enough sunlight and water, and fertilize them regularly during the blooming season.
- How do I care for gazanias after they bloom? Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent seed production. Gazanias will naturally go dormant in the fall, so reduce watering and avoid fertilizing during this time.
Additional Tips
- Gazania flowers are light-sensitive and will close up at night or on cloudy days.
- Gazanias can self-seed, so if you don’t want them to spread, deadhead the spent flowers before they go to seed.
- Gazanias are deer-resistant, making them a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
