14 steps on when and how to properly plant gazania seeds for seedlings to get results

This seemingly unremarkable flower can transform a flowerbed into a true work of art. To ensure gazania blooms in early summer, it needs to be planted early, when there's still frost outside. So, we start by growing seedlings indoors, and then, once the weather warms up, we transplant them outdoors. This is the best method, the one our ancestors used, and we use it too.

In this article, we'll look at the start dates for each region and the lunar calendar, and consider crop varieties. Another thing to keep in mind is the weather forecast for the near future; you'll need to factor this in with the other factors. Generally speaking, seeds planted on favorable days, taking other factors into account, are sure to yield results, even if you're a beginner. We'll also walk you through the process step by step, eliminating common mistakes.

Deadlines

Timing depends largely on the climate, as seedlings can only be planted outdoors after all danger of frost, even at night, has passed. In central Russia and the Moscow region, experienced gardeners recommend starting sowing from March 15th to mid-April.

In the Northwest, it's from late March to late April. In the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East, it's from early April until May 10th. In the South, it's as early as February. But again, it all depends on the individual, as it often happens in certain areas of the Urals. spring comes earlier, than in the Moscow region, for example.

The table shows favorable and unfavorable days for our work according to the lunar calendar in 2024.

Dates not included in the table are considered neutral.

Characteristics of varieties

The gazania (African daisy) is a small flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It attracts many gardeners with its appearance and long blooming period. It has long, narrow leaves of a dark green or silvery hue. The flowers reach 30-40 cm in height. The blooming period ranges from June until the coldest weather, depending on the region. To ensure the flower remains pleasing to the eye for a long time, it is important to carefully observe the lunar calendar.

There are several varieties of gazania:

1. A rather stiff variety, no more than 30 cm tall. The flowers of this variety range in color from bright yellow to brown. They have lily-like, narrow, pointed petals in light shades.
2. Long-stemmed, annual plant. The leaves are drooping downwards, and the flower diameter is approximately 7-10 cm.
3. The hybrid, the most common variety, has the greatest ornamental value. Flowers range from a bright light shade to almost black. The flower size is quite large, reaching approximately 10 cm. The petals have a distinct pattern and a dark circle at the center.

The plant's inflorescences resemble a basket formed by flowers of various colors. Their petals can be white, yellow, pink, orange, or red, and can be bicolored. Some varieties feature vertical stripes. The center of the flower is yellow. The flower reaches approximately 5 cm in size. The fruit is a hairy achene with a low tuft on one side.

Features of cultivation

The containers for planting seeds should be deep to avoid the need for transplanting later. Peat pots are an excellent choice. Deep, wide, spacious boxes can also be used.

The soil should be light and loose, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A general-purpose potting soil is ideal.

Seed sowing scheme

Gazania seeds are medium-sized, not small, so it's convenient to sow them individually to avoid the hassle of transplanting them later. Before planting, add a small amount of soil to the bottom of the container. The soil should be at room temperature and moistened beforehand. Sow spacingly; it's best to simply space the seeds 2-3 cm apart in a staggered pattern.

Step-by-step planting rules:

1. The seeds are lightly covered with soil on top, or you can simply press them into the soil.
2. The soil is sprayed with warm water at room temperature using a spray bottle.
3. Afterwards, cover the container with glass or film and place it in a light, warm place (18-20^OC) place. Thus, they create a greenhouse effect.

These seedlings require regular ventilation, ideally daily, and soil moisture checks. As needed, gently moisten the soil with a sprayer. Avoid using a watering can, as this can damage the emerging sprouts.

About one to two weeks after the first shoots appear, the covering is removed. It should be removed gradually, gradually increasing the time the seedlings are exposed to the uncovered environment. This allows the plant to acclimate to the environment without stress. During this period, it's also necessary to mist the seedlings.

Caring for seedlings

If the container isn't deep enough, the plant needs to be repotted, as it has long roots. Once four permanent leaves appear, the gazania is pricked out and then moved to a cooler room. The ideal temperature for growing seedlings is 10-15°C.^OS. In an apartment, seedlings should be grown on a glazed balcony. They should be gradually acclimated to the outdoors by opening the window for a few hours each day. Make sure there are no drafts.

Rules for planting in the ground

Gazania can be transplanted outdoors once the soil has warmed, all frosts, including nighttime ones, have passed, and warm weather has set in. Seedlings should be transplanted into the ground before early June:

• in the southern regions - the first days of May or, depending on the weather, at the end of April;
• in the Moscow region and the Central Belt - the beginning of June;
• In the northern regions, including Siberia, the timing shifts to mid- to late June.

First, you need to select and prepare a suitable site for the plant. The flowerbed should be located in a sunny spot. The soil should be light, nutritious, and well-drained. Dig deep holes 20 cm apart. The seedlings should be watered for the last time the day before planting outdoors.

If the seeds were planted in boxes or disposable cups, the seedlings are dug up and carefully transferred with a trowel. Each seedling is planted in a separate hole with a clod of soil, then covered with soil and watered. The first flowers appear 1.5-2 months after transplanting (3 months after sowing). Each flower head blooms for about 3 weeks.

Tips from florists

African daisy is an easy-to-care-for plant. Gazania tolerates drought and direct sunlight well. It can also withstand sudden cold snaps down to -5 to -7 degrees.^OPlace the flowerbed in a sunny spot. In the shade, French chamomile will bloom briefly and weakly.

Recommendations from flower growers:

1. Water moderately but regularly. The younger the plant, the more frequently its soil should be moistened. Watering schedule also depends on the weather: in hot, dry weather, you'll need to water daily, while in rainy weather, watering is not necessary at all.
2. During flowering, remove spent flowers to keep the flowerbed looking beautiful and tidy for a long time. This will allow the plant to devote more energy to forming new buds.

The main care for the plant is soil care. Mulch the soil, loosen it when the soil is moist, and weed it at least once every 10-14 days.

Gazania is fed depending on the quality of the soil:

• in a flowerbed with nutritious soil once every 1.5-2 months;
• on poor rocky soil – every 2 weeks.

For feeding, use a solution of complete mineral fertilizer at a rate of 20-25 g per square meter.

Gazania is a disease-resistant flower. However, if grown in unsuitable conditions, its health declines and gray mold may develop. Affected plants should be dug up and burned. Treat the remaining plants with a phytosporin solution. The most dangerous pests are spider mites, aphids, and snails.

Snails should be collected by hand. For control, use a salt solution or bury glass beer and lemonade bottles in the soil. When using chemicals, always take precautions to avoid harming nearby people and animals.

To kill spider mites, use fungicides and cover the flowers with plastic for a while. For biological aphid control, gardeners plant gazania near onions and garlic.

In central Russia, gazania seeds often fail to ripen. Rarely, when the weather is dry and very warm, they may ripen. Hybrid varieties are usually used for propagation, but they lack the ability to retain the original characteristics of the variety. Mature gazanias resemble daisy flowers. The shape of the seeds allows them to be easily carried by the wind.

Pruning flowers and mulching the soil:

1. Regular pruning increases the formation of new buds in large quantities.
2. Regular weeding is essential. Mulching the soil will help prevent weeds from appearing.
3. Mulching can help keep the soil moist for a long time.

When cultivating an annual plant, after it has finished flowering, the remains must be burned. However, some gardeners may choose to leave the plant over the winter. Select suitable bushes. In the fall, dig them up and repot them. Then place them in a cool, well-lit room. It's important to note that seeds stored in spent buds can last no more than two months.

The seeds are easy to collect because they are large. If not collected promptly, the pods will disintegrate within two months. Seeds should be stored in paper bags in a cool, dry place for up to two years. Water sparingly, and avoid overwatering. The key is to keep the soil from drying out. In the spring, transplant the seedlings into the flowerbed at the same time as the seedlings. When transplanting, cut the stems back by half.

Gazania will delight the eye with its vibrant flowers for a long time if simple growing and care guidelines are followed. The plant may fail to bloom due to: insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, late sowing, or over-watering. Otherwise, the flower is undemanding and easy to grow, making it a favorite among many gardeners.