belonging to the family Asteraceae, This plant of African origin fascinates with its wild appearance, similar to daisies. The attributes of the also called “agazania” allow it to be classified as an ornamental species of easy maintenance. If you’re just new to growing them, take note as we’ll explain how to care for gazanias.
It should be clarified that the rusticity of these shrubs does not refer to their appearance, but to their ability to adapt to almost any environment. However, the “hardness” of the specimens does not exempt them from receiving the basic attentions so that flowering is prosperous.
It’s a matter of good watering, proper location, and proper nutrition. Without further ado, let’s get to the heart of the matter.
Quality of Gazania, a “sleepy” plant.
A revision of the Western Mediterranean Virtual Herbarium states that gazanias are a herb from which small rosettes of hairy leaves emerge, whose shape is lanceolate and with a slight whitish pigmentation. complete it relatively large flowers, with yellow or orange ligules and petals in the same shades, as well as lilacs, whites, reds, and pinks.
In height it reaches up to 30 centimeters, but there are also creeping ones, common in the creation of rock gardens. It is a perennial plant that includes 79 species. The most frequent is Gazania splendens.
After dark, gazania flowers close their petals and open them again at dawn.. Because of this natural spectacle, they are often called “sleepyheads”. They thrive in urban environments, in the countryside and even near the beach, due to their goodwill in tolerating different climates.
Here’s how you should care for your gazanias so they bloom longer
It is not necessary to stick with the Gazania, even if they assume a certain independence to survive. Remember that the more attention you give a plant, the more you contribute to beautiful flowering. Next, let’s see what considerations they need.
Good location
Gazanias aren’t strict or picky about space; They fit perfectly indoors or outdoors. The main thing, in any case, is that the position guarantees a good dose of sunshine.
The idea is that they sense light and can open their petals during the day. If left in the shade, the petals are not exposed and the bush produces fewer flowers.
feed the soil
A to experiment published by Vegetable files analyzed the effect of potassium on the vegetative and floral development of the species Gazania. The results revealed a significant increase in height, leaf count, weight and roots; in other words, supplying the mineral to the substrate would favor development.
Fertilizing them every 2 weeks, providing organic matter, as well as compost or humus, are tips to extend the flowering time of this Asteraceae.
multiply by cuttings
The method for reproducing Gazanias is by cuttings, which are taken in autumn and prepared to spend the winter indoors. Plant them in pots about 10 centimeters deep and submerge them until the plant stands upright.
Regulate the excesses of the climate
This plant comes from southern Africa and is used to extremely sunny environments. But if the gazanias in your garden have burnt or damaged leaves, it would be convenient to move them to partial shade. Usually check the tips of the leavessince it is in this part that the plant begins to burn.
dose the water
The resistance of agazanias to arid climates prevents you from needing to be mindful of permanent watering. They appreciate hydration when the substrate is dry a little below the surface.
To find out, insert a toothpick or wooden finger, at least up to 5 centimeters; if the stem becomes dry again, proceed with watering. The opposite causes water stagnation and increases the chances of plant rot. Schedule watering every 2 weeks in the summer if you are with vegetable cuttings.
In gardens, sprinkler irrigation works.
Gazanias are not immune – you need to take care of them from parasites
Insects and pests haunt plants, including gazanias. This species is generally vulnerable to pests that can cause leaf spot or fungus.
Powdery mildew is one of the fungi that attacks Gazania. THE University of Illinois Garden Extension Explain that this disease affects herbaceous and woody plants, with the appearance of a kind of white powder on stems, leaves and flowers.
Natural insecticides are of great help in eliminating the fungus in its initial stage, but if the infection is advanced, it will hardly restore the health of the plant. The appropriate thing to prevent or act quickly is to review them from time to time, so you can notice if there are any changes in appearance.
What to remember when caring for Gazanias
In short, taking care of the gazanias so that they bloom longer means placing them where the sun hits them, but without allowing them to burn, providing vitamins to the substrate and controlling the water supply so as not to flood them.
As last recommendations, Cut off any parts in poor condition and remove fallen leaves and petals from the pot or planting area. If they carry pests, they damage the substrate. Cutting the weeds surrounding the plant is another surefire way to increase the nutrition and energy that gazanias need for their flowering.
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