Asteraceae, native to South Africa.

Germination: Best sown indoors at 60-65° at a depth 4 times the size of the seed. Seeds will germinate in 8-14 days. Alternatively, sow outdoors after danger of last frost at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed. Outdoors, germination will be in 12-18 days. In either case, cover seeds thoroughly as darkness aids germination.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 8-12 inches apart in full sun in a light, sandy soil. Very drought tolerant and it performs best where summer temperatures are high. Plant may be brought indoors in winter; provide full sun, 60° nights, and an average potting soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings.

Appearance and Use: Gazania serves most purposes: ground cover, edging, bedding, borders, planters, house plant, and it makes a cheerful hostess-gift. It’s a vigorous and floriferous annual. The 6-15 inch long flower stalks rise above the plant bearing single daisy-like flowers all summer long into winter if brought indoors. The 3-5 inch flowers are a range of loud colors with ray florets of yellow, gold, cream, orange, pink, or red with yellow disk florets. Flowers close for the night and under overcast skies. Plants reach 6-9 inches tall and the dark green leaves have white, felty undersides.

*Grown as an annual, but will overwinter in Zones 8 to 10.