Many gardeners are now wondering whether growing gazania from seed at home is really that difficult. Let's be honest—the process is quite simple, and you can have this southern beauty growing for years to come by simply following a few tips from experienced gazania growers.
Seedling
If you're planning to grow this southern beauty outdoors, you'll first need to grow seedlings from seeds. Prepare appropriately sized boxes (use larger ones, as you'll need to plant the seeds individually). Fill the boxes with appropriate soil (light, with some gravel and sand, and nutritious). On a loosened and fluffed surface, watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, manually lay out the seeds, each about 3 cm apart, in a checkerboard pattern, and lightly sprinkle with soil. Another important detail: good seedling growth requires long-term light, up to 14 hours. Therefore, you'll need to supplement the seedlings with fluorescent lamps.
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When to plant gazania
The best time is March-April, so you'll have good seedlings just in time for the warmer weather at the end of May. Transplanting the plants into the garden will require careful handling, ensuring a good, moist root ball. Therefore, the best option is to sow the seeds directly into individual cardboard cups, which you can then use to transfer them to the garden after digging holes. Maintain a distance of 20 cm between plants.
Another good option is to sow the seeds in a large container, then take it outside into the garden, and then bring it indoors when winter arrives. Start in a cooler temperature, and once they've adjusted, move them indoors.
The best spot for it in the garden is an open, sunny spot. It's not affected by winds or temperature fluctuations, and doesn't require much moisture—infrequent watering or rainfall is enough to keep it thriving. It pairs well with all other plants in the garden, beautifully offsetting any foliage, and its seeds remain viable for a long time.
African daisies also thrive and look luxurious in pots and vases placed on balconies, adding a touch of elegance and coziness. In the garden, gazania delights with its vibrant blooms from June until September, and even later in southern regions.
Diseases and pests
There are several situations when you will have to protect your plant:
- It can be attacked by aphids - to protect the chamomile, plant onions and garlic nearby.
- Gray mold can damage the foliage - treat with Bordeaux mixture.
- Spider mites have attacked – treat with insecticides.
- If snails and slugs decide to feast on your beauty, remove them manually. Sage, onions, and parsley planted near the gazania will help as a preventative measure.
Growing in winter
As we mentioned above, gazania can continue to bloom even after the cold weather sets in if you transplant it into pots and bring it indoors, or immediately plant it in appropriately sized containers and bring it indoors when the weather cools. Infrequent watering and a sunny location are all this southern daisy needs for winter blooming.
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