Origin
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana, commonly known as Treur-gousblom or Garden Gazania, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to South Africa and commonly grows in dry rocky areas and sandy soils.
Appearance
The Garden Gazania is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 40cm tall. It has a woody base and has a spreading habit with deeply-dissected leaves that are greyish-green in color. The flowers are daisy-like, with yellow petals and a dark patch in the center. They measure up to 8cm in diameter and appear from late winter to early summer.
Uses
Garden Gazania is commonly used as a groundcover in sunny areas for erosion control and soil stabilization as well as in ornamental gardening for its attractive flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, respiratory infections, and rheumatism. The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it effective in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Gazania krebsiana subsp. krebsiana plants prefer full to partial sun exposure, which means that they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted indoors, you can place them near a south-facing window that gets direct sunlight. Outdoor plants thrive in areas where they can receive sun rays during the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
These plants grow well in warm temperatures between 18 and 22°C, although they can handle temperatures as low as 10°C. In areas with high temperatures, it is essential to ensure that the soil does not dry out due to evaporation. In the winter, these plants are not frost-resistant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining moist soils that are rich in organic matter are best for Gazania krebsiana subsp. krebsiana plants. The pH levels should range between 6.5 and 7.5. These plants grow best in sandy or loamy soils that are enriched with compost. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not too compact for the plant to grow well.
Cultivation methods
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana, commonly known as the tricolour gazania, can be cultivated either by sowing seed or by propagation from cuttings. Sowing seed is a viable option, although it may take longer to obtain mature plants. Propagation from cuttings is the preferred method, as it ensures the characteristics of the parent plant are preserved.
Watering needs
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Watering should be done once or twice a week during the growing season and sparingly during the dormant season. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to allow slow seepage into the soil.
Fertilization
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana requires minimal fertilization. The application of a balanced fertilizer, such as NPK 10:10:10, during the growing season will suffice. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it may cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana, but removing spent flowers and deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Pruning to shape the plant may be done in the early growing season, before flowering begins.
Propagation of Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana. The seeds should be sown during spring or autumn in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and the seeds should be covered lightly with soil. The seedlings should emerge within 1-2 weeks and can be transplanted or thinned once they reach 3-4 inches in height.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana. The cuttings should be taken during the early summer months and should be approximately 3-4 inches in length. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cutting should be placed in a well-draining rooting medium. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light until new growth appears.
Propagation through division
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the spring months. The parent plant should be lifted carefully from the soil and the clump should be divided with a sharp knife or spade. Each division should have a few healthy roots and shoots. The individual divisions can be replanted in new locations or containers.
Disease Management
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana is susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its health and growth. Some of the common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to rot. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant since this creates a favorable environment for the fungi to thrive. Additionally, it is advisable to plant the Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana in well-draining soil.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to appear whitish or grayish. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding the plant.
Pest Management
Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. krebsiana is also susceptible to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and wilt. To manage this pest, it is important to remove them from the plant by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to remove them from the plant by handpicking or using an insecticide.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to appear speckled or discolored. To manage this pest, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and humid since spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Additionally, using insecticidal soap can be effective in managing this pest.
