Growing Gazania

Pronunciation: gah-zay'-nee-ah

The cheerful, daisy-like faces of Gazania flowers are hard to resist. Modern cultivars of this African native offer a wide range of bright colors to enhance a container of annuals or grace the side of a frequently traveled walkway. The strap-like leaves are medium green on one side and gray, felted green on the reverse. Gazania's large flowers will close up in cloudy weather and almost seem out of proportion to its low-growing leaves.

Light/Watering: Grow in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day) and water when the top 1in of soil is dry to the touch.

Fertilizer/Soil: Plant in a sandy, well-drained soil or potting mix amended with sand.

Pests and Diseases: Provide good air circulation and keep the water off the leaves to prevent powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot.

Companions: Hardy in Zones 8-10. Elsewhere use as an annual edging plant along a gravel path, among Sempervivums and low-growing Sedums, or in containers.

Reflowering: Deadhead to stimulate flowering.

For information on planting and care of annuals, click How to grow annuals.