Many gardeners often refer to the gazania plant as the African daisy. This charming flower belongs to the Asteraceae family, so it is visually very similar to a daisy. There are over 40 varieties of this plant, each with a variety of colors and flower sizes.
African daisy, as we already know, can be either an annual or a perennial plant. Much depends, of course, on the variety. This low-growing plant reaches no more than 30-40 centimeters in height. The leaves are gathered in small rosettes. The stem can be quite short, but is usually hidden behind the leaves. The inflorescences resemble baskets, consisting of ray florets.
Gazania: growing from seed and when to plant it are a concern for many gardeners, as everyone wants to decorate their garden or flowerbed with this charming plant. This plant is widely popular among amateur gardeners, as these flowers can lift the spirits and beautify any plot.
Nowadays, many gardeners grow African daisies from seedlings. This can be done indoors on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, if you have one. The timing of sowing seeds largely depends on the chosen region. After all, as we know, temperature is very important for this plant.
If you're experiencing a late, cold spring, it's worth noting that when the first sprouts emerge from the seeds, they'll require additional lighting, as the plant requires a lot of light. Otherwise, the seedlings will be weak and will stretch upward. It's also worth noting that such seedlings often simply die.
Seeds are typically sown in May, but they can be sown earlier if you can provide the necessary conditions, such as additional lighting and temperature. Some hobbyists sow seeds in several batches, sown some in April and others in May.
This is done so that gazanias can be planted outdoors earlier, as this will encourage them to bloom sooner. However, such seedlings will, of course, require some extra care and maintenance. For those who can't provide this extra care, the best time to plant is mid- to late-May, as there's plenty of sun and no need to worry about frost.
Before sowing the seeds, it's necessary to prepare deep containers, as this plant requires roots to grow freely, without bending to the sides. The soil also needs to be properly prepared; it should be loose and light. Some gardeners also pre-treat the prepared soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect it.
Once all this is done, the seeds should be spread out in a checkerboard pattern, but avoid sowing them too close together, as the plant dislikes this. Then, lightly cover the seeds with additional soil and water them with room-temperature water. Water from a watering can to avoid displacing or washing the seeds out of the soil.
Some experts recommend covering the seeds with plastic wrap after sowing to increase and speed up germination, but removing any accumulated condensation daily is essential. A warm, bright location will help seedlings emerge within a couple of weeks. Furthermore, the plastic wrap will prevent the soil from drying out, which will improve germination.
With this approach, seedlings won't need to be pricked out, but if the seeds weren't sown in deep containers or too close together, then they must be pricked out after four leaves appear. Florists typically perform this process in special peat pots, which are then placed in a cooler location.
If you're growing seedlings indoors, a balcony is ideal, as it offers a comfortable temperature and good lighting. Over time, you'll need to open the windows to harden off the plants, but be careful not to expose them to drafts, as this can kill them.
These seedlings can be planted outdoors as early as early June. However, it's important to keep in mind that this plant is quite heat-loving and doesn't like dense soil. Therefore, it's essential to provide as much sun as possible and fertile, nourishing soil to allow the root system to establish quickly and reduce disease. It's worth noting that gazania isn't afraid of drought or direct sunlight; in fact, it even thrives on it.
If the seeds were sown in peat pots, they can be planted directly into the soil without removing the plant. However, if the seedlings are being taken from a deep container, use a long trowel to avoid disturbing the plant's root system, which will cause the plant to die. When planting in open ground, the seeds should be spaced at least 20 centimeters apart, otherwise the plant will become crowded.
If the root system is disturbed or the plants are planted too close together, they will become diseased and bud formation may be delayed. Therefore, some gardeners recommend transplanting seedlings along with the root ball they grew in to avoid such problems.
Well-drained soil and good lighting will help the flower quickly establish itself and produce buds. Gazania also doesn't tolerate weeds; they must be removed, otherwise the plant won't receive the necessary nutrition. The soil must be watered and loosened regularly to allow the plant's roots to breathe. It's also worth noting that African daisies don't like faded blooms; these should be removed promptly, allowing the plant to quickly produce new buds and bloom profusely.
Proper care and plenty of sun will provide the plant with the necessary conditions for growth and flowering, and for this, it will reward its owners with the warm hues of beautiful buds, which will not only help you enjoy the plant's charming appearance but will also lift your spirits every day. Combined with kochia This duet will look original.