Guide to growing Treasure flower (Gazania)
Members of the Gazania genus are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden though in reality they are perennials.
Gazania range in height from 20 to 40cm and bloom in the summer and at the start of autumn.
When in bloom Gazania are reminiscent of daisies and flowers may be pink, red, yellow or orange; some Gazania species have very attractive striped petals.
A commonly grown member of Gazania is the Treasure Flower.
How to grow treasure Flower
When growing Gazania species such as Treasure flower outdoors from seeds it is best to sow just after the last frost at a depth of about 3mm. Space the plants at 20 to 40cm apart depending upon the size of the Gazania variety. Ideally treasure flowers should grow in a sunny part of the garden that has a light sandy soil and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7).
If you first plan to grow treasure flowers indoors then sow about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. It should take Gazania species from one to three weeks to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees centigrade in the dark. Transplant the Gazania seedlings into the garden in spring a couple of weeks after any chance of frost.
Caring for Treasure flower
It is really easy to look after treasure flower and other Gazania species. They can tolerate drought so no need to water; you may like to remove (deadhead) old flowers for appearances sake. If you require more Gazania then propagate by taking cuttings from towards the bottom of the plant at the end of summer.