Gazania, often called the Treasure Flower, is a popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms and impressive tolerance to drought conditions. Originating from South Africa, this flowering plant is commonly cultivated as an annual, though it can function as a perennial in warmer zones. Gardeners often propagate this species from seed.
Detailed Appearance of Gazania Seeds
The mature Gazania seed is physically small and slender, typically measuring around one-quarter of an inch in length. The seed body, or achene, is a long, narrow structure with a color that ranges from light tan to brownish or off-white. This seed is the reproductive unit that develops after the flower has been successfully pollinated.
A distinctive feature is the fluffy attachment called a pappus, composed of fine, white or grayish bristles. This tuft of hair is attached to one end of the seed, giving it a light, feathered, or cotton-like appearance. The pappus serves a biological purpose by catching the wind, allowing the lightweight seed to be carried away for natural dispersal.
Where Gazania Seeds Form on the Plant
Gazania belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers, meaning its reproductive structures are contained within a composite flower head. After the vibrant petals of the bloom have faded and dried, the flower head closes up, and the seeds begin to mature inside the protective structure. The seed forms at the base of the dried ray florets.
Seed development is complete when the entire flower head has dried out completely and turned a brittle, brown color. At this stage, the stem supporting the spent flower head may also begin to dry and die back, signaling that the seeds are fully ripe and ready for collection. If the dried flower head is left undisturbed, it will eventually open to release the fluffy seeds, which can easily self-disperse on the slightest breeze.
Practical Steps for Sowing Gazania Seeds
To successfully grow Gazania from seed, start them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. This early start allows the seedlings to develop into strong plants ready for transplanting outside once the weather warms. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 60°F and 65°F.
Sow the seeds at a shallow depth, pressing them lightly into the seed-starting mix or covering them with no more than one-quarter inch of fine soil. Keeping the soil consistently moist during the germination period is important, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Under optimal conditions, the seeds will typically begin to sprout within seven to fourteen days. Once the seedlings emerge, they require immediate access to bright light to grow strong and avoid becoming leggy.