Gazania

The genus Gazania unites about 40 herbaceous perennial species, which are grown as annuals in cold areas. Flower baskets open in the afternoon and close in the evening. Leaves with a jagged edge are dark green on the upper side and light, gray or silvery on the lower side. Inflorescences similar to chamomile with a diameter of about 8 cm are colored in different ways: ligulate extreme flowers - yellow - in long-warmed Gazania longiscapa; orange-colored with white and black spots at the base - in gazania brilliant (G. splendens); ligulate flowers - white, yellow, orange, tubular - small yellow, brown at the base, with a white border along the edge - in gazania shiny large-flowered (G. splendens grandiflora) and hybrid gazania (G. x hybrida). In addition, there are numerous varieties and hybrids with baskets of different sizes and colors.

The genus Gazania unites about 40 herbaceous perennial species, which are grown as annuals in cold areas. Flower baskets open in the afternoon and close in the evening. Leaves with a jagged edge are dark green on the upper side and light, gray or silvery on the lower side. Inflorescences similar to chamomile with a diameter of about 8 cm are colored in different ways: ligulate extreme flowers - yellow - in long-warmed Gazania longiscapa; orange-colored with white and black spots at the base - in gazania brilliant (G. splendens); ligulate flowers - white, yellow, orange, tubular - small yellow, brown at the base, with a white border along the edge - in gazania shiny large-flowered (G. splendens grandiflora) and hybrid gazania (G. x hybrida).

In addition, there are numerous varieties and hybrids with baskets of different sizes and colors.

Cultivation

Gazania is an open field culture, which is grown mainly in garden borders, for cutting, as well as in pots. The plant is light and heat-loving. The ideal location for gazania is sunny; soils are sandy loam, it is possible even stony, with a neutral reaction of the environment (pH about 7). Planting in gardens near the seaside gives optimal results.

Location

Full sun in the garden and maximum lighting on balconies and terraces.

Temperature

Gazania tolerates high temperatures well in summer, and due to its sensitivity to cold in winter, the air temperature should not be lower than 5 °C (the pots should be kept in a closed, relatively cool place until the end of spring). The optimum temperature is -16-22 °C.

Watering

Water in spring and summer, avoiding excess water for potted plants; in addition, too cold water is contraindicated for them. When watering, you should try to pour water onto the ground and not get on the plant. It is better to water garden specimens from the very early morning.

Transplant

Potted plants are transplanted into new larger containers in spring.

Care

In gazanias, it is enough only to remove wilted flowers, as well as dry and damaged leaves.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds. Sowing is a rather complicated operation for an amateur; it is carried out in March under glass at a temperature of 16 °C in a soil prepared for seeds or a mixture of sand and peat with the addition of fertilizers. Seedlings dive one by one into earthen pots or containers. They are planted in the ground finally in May after spring frosts. Another less popular method is grafting. Cuttings for rooting are cut in July-August.

Diseases

Gazania, like many other herbaceous plants, is susceptible to gray rot of vegetable crops (the causative agent is Botrytis cinerea), which causes tissue decay. In this case, fungicide treatment is carried out. Excess moisture should be avoided and areas with stagnant water should not be diverted under these plants.

Acquisition

Gazania is readily available at horticultural centers and branded flower shops. Plants are bought in spring - in cups or honeycomb containers - and immediately transplanted into larger pots or open ground.