How To Grow Gazania Treasure Flowers: Care Of Gazania Flowers

GROW GAZANIA TREASURE FLOWERS FOR VIBRANT GARDEN GEMS

Also known as African daisy, gazania treasure flowers are regarded as a truly unique bedding and groundcover specimen for the landscape. Robust and easy to grow, plants are at home across a wide range of conditions, including those that are especially hot or experience prolonged periods of drought. In this article, we will explore the plant’s unique cultural needs and how to care for gazania flowers in greater detail.

Quick Gazania Flower Facts:

Botanical name – Gazania

Height – 6-12 in. (15-30 cm.)

Spread – 6-9 in. (15-23 cm.)

Sun exposure – Full Sun

Soil requirements – Neutral, Well-Draining

Hardiness zones – USDA Zones 9-11

When to plant – Spring

Gazania Treasure Flower Care

Light

Treasure flowers bloom best where they can receive full sun. As each bud’s ability to open fully is directly related to sunlight, allow for at least 6-8 hours of direct light each day. Gazania grown in shaded beds will often bloom poorly or may even fail to flower completely. 

Temperature & Humidity

Gazania flowers are known for their ability to thrive under difficult growing conditions. This makes them ideal for growth in warmer regions that experience prolonged periods of heat. But despite their hardy nature, these plants may still struggle when exposed to extreme temperatures, such as those above 100F (38C). Though summer highs are unlikely to faze the plant, treasure flowers are sensitive to high humidity. Therefore, they’re best grown in gardens where conditions will remain relatively dry. 

Water

In most regions, gazania will receive enough rainfall to meet its needs over the course of the growing season. Still, supplemental irrigation may be helpful in areas with especially low humidity or that experience prolonged periods of drought. Between waterings, garden soil should be allowed to dry completely to avoid oversaturating the beds. 

Fertilizer

Treasure flowers do not generally require fertilization. Though finished compost can be worked into the soil at planting time, beds that are excessively rich may negatively impact the plant’s ability to produce flowers. In regions where gazania behaves as a perennial, annual feeding in early spring may be helpful in maintaining vigor and promoting bloom. 

Soil

Gazania plants are known for their ability to thrive under less-than-ideal soil conditions. This includes soils with poor fertility and those that are especially sandy or rocky. Though neutral soils are ideal, you can successfully grow this flower in beds that are slightly acidic, as well. 

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Provided proper cultural conditions have been met, treasure flowers are relatively carefree, but remain vigilant of common garden problems, like powdery mildew or other fungal diseases. Various types of rot may also be of cause for concern where plants experience poor drainage. Aphids and mealybugs are likely to visit the flower, but only seldom lead to severe damage.

Flowering and Pruning

You can expect the treasure flower’s bloom period to begin in spring and reach into early summer.  You can extend the duration of its flower production by deadheading. Removing spent blooms will prevent the plant from setting seed, aiding in the formation of new buds. Annual pruning in spring may also be helpful in maintaining the plant as a means of rejuvenation and size management. 

Gazania Flower Propagation

Gazania plants are most commonly grown from seed. Seeds are best sown indoors in trays in early spring. Seedlings can be moved outside once all chance of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently. Some of the most favorite varieties can also be propagated through stem cuttings by removing small segments of the plant and placing them into a moist growing medium. Under ideal conditions, the cuttings will root quickly and can be moved directly into flower beds. Use division methods to multiply larger, more established plants. Divide ganzania plants by lifting them from the soil and gently splitting them into smaller plants. 

Container Growing Gazanias

Most varieties of treasure flowers will grow well in containers. At planting, special attention should be given to drainage. This means that both containers and selected potting mixes should allow water to move freely. Potted specimens can easily be overwintered indoors to preserve them until spring.

Best Varieties for Beginners

New Day Clear Orange Gazania

Orange gazania flowers are among the most common types available to home gardeners. Reaching approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in height at maturity, this cultivar is prized for its ability to rapidly form large mounds of lush foliage. This makes it an especially attractive groundcover, well suited to a wide range of growing zones. 

Big Kiss White Flame Gazania

A good choice if you’re looking for dramatic visual appeal, Big Kiss White Flame gazania produces flowers in stunning combinations of white and pink. Short, 10 inch (25 cm) plants are known for their immense bloom throughout spring and utility in rock gardens and containers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Gazania Flowers Last?

New treasure flowers will begin to bloom approximately twelve weeks after sowing. You can expect more established plants to flower from early spring until summer. Regular deadheading helps with the production of buds and helps to lengthen the plant’s flowering period. 

Do Gazania Flowers Close at Night?

Treasure flowers are highly sensitive to light. Without direct sun, ganaznia flowers will often fail to open, and their blooms may even remain closed on cloudy days. The same principle can be applied at night, with each flower beginning to close as the sun begins to set. 

Are Gazania Flowers Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

It’s always best to use caution when growing gazania in areas frequented by children or pets. Sources online list this plant as safe around most animals but suggest that further research is needed to better understand its toxicity.  Accidental ingestion of the plant is likely to cause symptoms such as irritation or gastrointestinal upset of differing severity.