How to grow gazania
Overview
Gazania rigens is a low-growing, clumping perennial from South Africa, grown for its bright, daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage. It is a tough, drought-tolerant groundcover that thrives in full sun and poor, free-draining soil, making it ideal for hot, dry sites and coastal gardens.
Varieties
- Gazania rigens 'Sunburst' — Large, bright yellow flowers with a dark centre; very heat-tolerant.
- Gazania rigens 'Tiger Stripes' — Striking orange petals with a dark brown stripe; popular in Australian gardens.
- Gazania rigens 'Daybreak' — Compact, early-flowering mix in gold, pink, and white; good for pots.
Soil Preparation
Gazania needs very free-draining soil; a pH of 6.0–7.5 is fine. Improve heavy clay with coarse sand or gravel, and add a little organic matter only if the soil is very poor. Over-rich soil leads to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Growing Guide
Plant gazania in full sun in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; it dislikes heavy clay. Space plants 25–30 cm apart for a dense groundcover. Water sparingly after establishment — overwatering causes rot and reduces flowering. In cooler zones, wait until after the last frost to plant out. Deadhead regularly to extend the bloom season and prevent excessive self-seeding.
Sowing
Sow seeds 3 mm deep in seed-raising mix, barely covering. Germination takes 7–14 days at 18–22°C. Direct sow in spring after frost, or start in punnets and transplant when 4–6 true leaves appear. Space seedlings 25–30 cm apart.
Care
Feed lightly with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. Prune back spent flower stems and leggy growth after the main flowering flush to keep plants compact. Remove dead or yellowing leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Companion Planting
Pair gazania with succulents like Echeveria and Sedum, coastal plants such as Carpobrotus (pigface) and Lomandra, and other low-water perennials like Zinnia and Portulaca. Avoid planting near moisture-loving plants that require regular watering.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids may cluster on new growth in spring; blast off with water or apply a dilute soap spray. Fungal leaf spots (Alternaria) appear in humid or wet conditions — improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Snails and slugs can damage young plants in cool, damp weather; control with iron-based pellets.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage — reduce water and improve soil. Brown leaf edges: salt burn from coastal wind or fertiliser — flush soil with water. Leggy growth: too much shade or rich soil — move to full sun. Few flowers: not enough sun or too much nitrogen — stop feeding and ensure 6+ hours of direct sun. Powdery mildew on leaves: humid, still air — space plants and avoid overhead watering.