5 Gazania Flower Care Tips

Gazania flowers can blossom to their fullest using 5 care tips. A native of South Africa, this daisy-like flower is a member of the aster family and can tolerate dry climates. Gazanias are hardy flowers which will thrive in most soils, no matter how poor the quality of the soil is. Ranging from terra cotta to bright yellow in color, gazania plants grow an average of 12 inches and bloom during the spring and summer months. These flowers grow as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and as an annual in zones 3 to 8. Following are the five flower care tips you can follow to get the fullest blossoming potential from your gazania plants:

Tip #1: Coating Gazania Seeds with Sand

Gazanias like well drained soil and will blossom more profusely if the seeds are first coated with sand before planting them in the ground. Pour a thin layer of sand in a pan and sprinkle the gazania seeds on top. Sift the flowers seeds so they will have some sand remaining on the outside of the seeds. Separate the seeds to one side of the pan, with the remaining sand on the other side. Do not throw the sand out, as this will be used when the time comes to plant the seeds.

Tip #2: Sowing Gazania Seeds

The best time of year to plant gazania seeds is in the early spring after the last frost. Plant the gazania seeds in rows in a sunny part of your garden. Use the end of a thick stick to make the groove in the soil for the seeds. Use the light spray on your garden hose nozzle to water each groove. The moist soil will aid in the germination of the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds in each row, placing them at even intervals. Take the sand from the tray and lightly cover the seeds with it. Finish covering the seeds with a 1/4 inch layer of soil. Do not pack down the soil over the seeds. Water the seeds again after you sow them in the garden.

Tip #3: Watering Gazania Flowers

You do not need to water gazanias as frequently as other annuals in your garden. Gazanias can go for long periods without watering and will actually blossom more if the soil conditions are kept dry. Water from rain is sufficient enough in most areas of the nation. Give your gazania flowers a light watering once a month without soaking the ground.

Tip #4: Winter Care for Gazania Flowers

Adding a layer of mulch to the base of the gazania plants at the end of the fall season will provide the plants protection during the cold winter months. The plants do not need to be fertilized at this time of year.

Tip #5: Pruning Gazania Plants

The plants can be pruned early in the spring to remove old growth and stimulate new growth. Use garden clippers to remove dead stems and leaves, cutting down to the bottom of the plant. Do not cut off any new stems or leaves. Dispose of the cuttings in the garbage. The gazania flowers will start to blossom during the mid-spring season.