How to Care for Gazania Flowers
Gazania flowers, also known as African daisies or treasure flowers, are heat-loving annuals that are sometimes grown as perennials in warm climates. They grow to about 10 inches in height and form clumps about 12 inches in width. Gazania produces yellow, white, orange and pink flowers beginning in late spring and lasting until the end of summer. Valued for their ease of care, Gazania flowers can add a splash of color to any garden.
Plant gazania flowers during early spring, after the final frost of winter, in a sunny location with little or no shade. Fertilize the soil using a 16-16-16 NPK fertilizer prior to planting to increase fertility. Spread 3 inches of mulch over the planting site, and use a garden tiller to incorporate it into the soil to increase drainage.
- Gazania flowers, also known as African daisies or treasure flowers, are heat-loving annuals that are sometimes grown as perennials in warm climates.
- Plant gazania flowers during early spring, after the final frost of winter, in a sunny location with little or no shade.
Water gazania flowers once per week during spring, summer and fall. Do not allow any standing water to accumulate around the plant or the roots may rot. Reduce the frequency of watering to twice per week during winter if you're growing the plant as a perennial.
Feed gazania flowers with a balanced 10-10-10 NPK water-soluble fertilizer once every two months during spring, summer and fall months. Refer to the directions provided by the manufacturer for proper dosage and application.
Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the surface of the soil surrounding gazania flowers. Begin the layer at least 3 inches from the base of the plant to allow room for growth and air circulation. Replenish the layer of mulch as often as necessary throughout the year.
- Water gazania flowers once per week during spring, summer and fall.
- Begin the layer at least 3 inches from the base of the plant to allow room for growth and air circulation.
Remove faded or dead gazania blossoms as soon as possible to encourage additional flowers to form throughout the blooming season. Use your fingers to pinch off the flowers as close to the stem as possible to minimize damage to the plant, or snip them off with scissors.
Tip
Space gazania flowers at least 8 inches apart to prevent crowding and encourage good air circulation.
Gazania flowers cannot survive temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and should be grown as an annual in all regions where temperatures drop this low.
Chopped leaves or grass clippings serve as an ideal mulch for gazania flowers.
Related Articles
References
- Texas A&M University: Gazania Rigens
- "Nevada Gardener's Guide;" Linn Mills, Dick Post; 2005
Tips
- Space gazania flowers at least 8 inches apart to prevent crowding and encourage good air circulation.
- Gazania flowers cannot survive temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and should be grown as an annual in all regions where temperatures drop this low.
- Chopped leaves or grass clippings serve as an ideal mulch for gazania flowers.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
