The Gazania, often called the Treasure Flower or African Daisy, is a genus of flowering plants celebrated for its intensely colored, daisy-like blooms. Hailing from South Africa, this plant is naturally adapted to hot, dry climates, making it a garden favorite for its tolerance to heat and drought. It is commonly grown as a perennial in warmer regions, but in cooler climates, it is typically treated as a colorful annual. The vibrant flowers appear in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bronze, often featuring contrasting rings or stripes, providing a spectacular display throughout the growing season.
Establishing Gazania: Site and Soil Needs
Gazanias require full, direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours each day to thrive and flower consistently. The flowers open fully only in bright light and close up on cloudy days or as evening approaches. Planting them in a shaded spot will result in poor flowering and may cause the plants to become leggy.
Excellent drainage is required, as these plants are susceptible to root rot in consistently wet conditions. They perform best in sandy, loamy, or even poor, rocky soil, which mimics their native habitat. If the existing garden soil is heavy clay, amend it with coarse sand or organic matter to improve porosity before planting. Avoid using overly rich soil, as this encourages foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Planting should occur after the final danger of frost has passed in the spring, as Gazanias are not cold-hardy. When transplanting nursery stock, place the plant in the ground at the same depth it was growing in its container. Space individual plants about 6 to 12 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent fungal issues.
Daily and Seasonal Gazania Care
Once established, Gazanias have minimal watering needs due to their drought tolerance. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, so allow the top layer of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water deeply and infrequently, soaking the root zone to encourage a robust root system. Container-grown plants require more frequent monitoring than those in the ground, especially during periods of extreme heat.
Gazanias are low-feeders and generally do not require heavy fertilization. If planted in garden soil amended with compost, additional feeding may not be necessary. If the soil is lean or the plants are grown in containers, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in mid-summer can sustain blooming. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as it can lead to abundant foliage but fewer blooms.
To ensure continuous color, spent blooms should be removed, a process known as deadheading. Removing faded flowers prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production, signaling it to produce more buds. Simply pinch or snip off the entire flower stalk down to the next set of leaves or the base of the plant. If perennial varieties look stretched or spindly after a season of growth, prune them back by about one-third of their height in early spring to encourage dense, compact new growth.
Starting New Plants: Seeds and Cuttings
Gazanias are readily started from seed, which can be sown indoors six to ten weeks before the expected last frost date. Use a sterile seed-starting mix and cover the seeds lightly, as they require warmth and light to germinate. Maintaining a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and keeping the medium consistently moist will encourage germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Direct sowing outdoors is an option in warmer regions after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. New plants can also be grown from softwood cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots during the spring or summer. Select healthy, 4-inch sections of stem, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, sandy mix and keep them in a bright location out of direct sun until new roots form.