Gazania G a za n ia

G A Z A N IA flowers often have striking IN M IL D SE A SID E G A R D E N S it is worth leaving gazanias out during the winter months as
darker markings toward their centres. they often survive unharmed and w ill give an early show o f flowers the following spring.

FEATU RES Site Needs well-drained soil that is not too rich or
leafy growth is the result. Light sandy soils
Gazanias come in an amazing range of brilliant give the best results. If growing in patio
colours from pastel pinks to cream, strong reds containers, choose clay pots or troughs and use
and mahogany. Modern varieties with striped a soil-based compost with extra sharp grit
petals are very eye-catching. All have mixed in to ensure good drainage at all times.
contrasting eyes to the flowers. Gazanias are
grown as half-hardy annuals from spring-sown G R O W IN G M E T H O D
seeds and used in beds and patio pots. Flowers
tend to close up in dull weather, but newer Sowing Seed is sown in March at 20C (68F) in a
varieties like Daybreak Bright Orange stay heated propagator, in 9cm (5'Ain) pots. Just
open longer. They grow up to 30cm (12in) tall cover the seeds and keep in a light spot.
and wide and thrive in seaside gardens. Seedlings appear in 12 weeks and can be
transplanted when large enough into cell trays.
C O N D IT IO N S ________ Grow on in a greenhouse or conservatory, then
harden off and plant in late May, spacing
Aspect For the flowers to open reliably gazanias must plants 30cm (12in) apart. In mixed containers
be grown where they get baking sun all day. make sure they are not shaded out by other
plants growing nearby.
Feeding Only water when the soil or compost becomes
Ga za n ia at a g lan c e dry, and stand patio pots under cover during
A half-hardy annual grown for its bright flowers that open fully prolonged spells of summer rain.
in sun. Use in beds and containers. Frost hardy to -5C (23F). Problems No real problems, but slugs may attack leaves
JA N / R ecommended Varieties in wet weather, so protect with slug pellets.
Feb / Gazania rigens: F L O W E R IN G
M ar so w ^ Chansonette
A pr t r a n s p la n t ". Chansonette Pink Season The flowering period lasts throughout summer
M ay h a r d e n o f f/p la n t 1 Shades if dead flowers and their stalks are removed.
Daybreak Bright Cutting Flowers are not suitable for cutting.
J un f lo w e rin g
Orange
J uly f lo w e rin g
Daybreak Red Stripe
A ug flo w e rin g i-> A FT E R F L O W E R IN G
'Flarlequin Hybrids
Se p t flo w e rin g C j
Mini Star Mixed General Favourite plants can be lifted, potted up and
O ct / Sundance Mixed kept dry in a frost-free greenhouse over winter.
N ov / Talent Cuttings can be taken in spring and new plants
D ec / grown on for planting out.

G A Z A N I A 4 2 T H E C O M P L E T E B O O K OF G A R D E N F L O W E R S