How to Grow and Care for Gazania (Treasure Flower)
The Gazania flower, named after the 15th-century Greek-Italian scholar Theodore of Gaza, is a perennial plant native to South Africa with a warm climate that is typically grown annually.
It is an easy-maintenance flower, ideal for lighting difficult-to-design spaces. The 'look at me' spectrum of colors available in Gazania may not match the look of a Victorian country house garden, but butterflies flock to these fertile summer blooms.
Gazania flowers belong to the daisy family Asteraceae, of the genus Gazania. Gazanias, also known as the treasure flower, is recovering from mild frosts. When grown in zones 9 to 11, they can act as perennials.
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| Botanical Name | Gazania rigens |
| Common Names | Treasure flower, African daisy |
| Plant Type | Warm-weather perennial, usually grown as an annual |
| Mature Size | 6 to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Sandy, dry, well-draining soil |
| Soil pH | Neutral (near 7.0 pH) but will tolerate acidic and alkaline soil |
| Bloom Time | Late spring and early summer |
| Flower Color | Red, orange, yellow, white, pink, variegated |
| Hardiness Zones | 9 to 10; grown as an annual elsewhere |
| Native Area | South Africa |
How to Grow Gazanias
Gazania flowers are ideal for any gardener looking for an effective flower that does not require a lot of maintenance. Gazania plants don't mind the heat of the soil, so you can include them in your sidewalk or sidewalk garden.
Gazania is easy to grow - this ornamental plant is considered a weed in parts of Southern California and Australia.
Plant the Gazania seedlings about 12 inches apart so that they can reach 10 inches long without mold forming. Headless Gazania flowers extend the flowering period of plants.
Gazanias are practically unproblematic, although very wet soil can cause root and stem rot. Leaf spots and powdery mildew can be a problem in humid environments, and mealybugs sometimes attack plants.
Light
Gazania flowers thrive in full sun. Morning or afternoon shade can cause the flowers to close for part of the day and make the plants slender, exceeding their normal height by 6 to 10 inches.
Soil
Gazanias are best suited to sandy, well-drained soils, but can tolerate many soil types and conditions.
Water
The leathery foliage of Gazania plants is an indication of the flower's high tolerance to drought. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Excessive hydration can lead to root rot and promote fungal diseases.
Temperature and humidity
Gazanias like warm, dry conditions and are well suited to similarly adapted flowers such as periwinkle, cosmos, verbena, or amaranth.
Fertilizer
In their natural habitat on the rocky cliffs of South Africa, Gazanias grow in soils of low fertility. No need for compost or additional fertilizers.
Potting and Repotting
Gazania plants are adaptable enough to hibernate indoors, so there is no need to buy new plants or seeds for the next growing season.
You can dig up the plant in late fall, while it is still in bloom, and bring the beauty of nature indoors.
However, the plant cannot maintain its flower production indoors. Therefore, cut the plant and store it in a cold sunny window. Water when the soil surface is dry.
Check plants regularly for pests, such as bed bugs, that can grow in indoor specimens.
Grows in containers
Gazanias grow in containers on your patio or patio, where they attract butterflies for a closer look. If desired, plant the gazanias on the edge of the pot so that your bed will soften the edges of the pot.
Their preference for well-drained soils makes them a natural choice for a rock garden, pot, or soil.
If your soil is heavy, plant your gazanias in containers with a Lantana planting that has similar growing conditions and complementary colors.
Growing from seed
If you are growing your Gazania flowers from seed, start indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost in your area.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist during the germination and transplant phase. Cure them and place them outside two weeks after the last medium frost.
If you want the seeds to start gently, sow Gazania seeds directly in the garden. Once the risk of frost has passed, spread the seeds in an area with garden soil. Sprinkle a handful of soil to cover the seeds, as darkness will trigger germination.
Propagating Gazanias
Although gazanias are generally grown from commercially available seed or nursery plants, they can be propagated by harvesting cuttings.
Bringing Color and Resilience to Your Garden
Growing and caring for Gazania flowers is a rewarding experience, perfect for gardeners seeking vibrant blooms with minimal effort.
These hardy, sun-loving plants add a burst of color to any landscape, thriving in sandy, well-drained soils and requiring little water.
With their ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, Gazanias are ideal for rock gardens, container plantings, and hard-to-design areas.
By understanding their needs and giving them the right care, you can enjoy these treasure flowers year after year, bringing beauty and attracting butterflies to your outdoor space.
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Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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