Culture guide

Usage

Beddings, window-boxes, pot and container plants for patio

Sow time

November-December for flowering in pot from April onwards; January-March for flowering in pot from June onwards

Sowing method

3-5 seeds per plug

Germination

10-12 days at 70 °F (21 °C), germination condition: Cover seeds lightly

Growing on

Transplant plugs after 5-6 weeks. Grow on at 55-60 °F (13-15 °C). Apply 150 ppm nitrogen weekly in a well-balanced formula.

Media

Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, 1,5 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-5.8.

Temperature

Grow at 12-16 °C. Very cold temperatures will increase the cultivation time. Gazania does tolerate not frost.

Fertilization

High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen (at 1,5 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Avoid pH above 6.0, as high pH causes iron deficiency. Apply chelated iron, if chlorosis becomes a problem. To prevent magnesium deficiency, apply magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times. Gazania does tolerate high salt levels in substrate.