Growing New Day Series Gazania Garden Seeds

New Day Series gazania has a wildflower hardiness and can be sown directly outside after the frost. For earliest blooms, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior. Germination will take 14-28 days in full lighting and harden off gazania seedlings in a warm sunny spot in the garden or keep indoors with good drainage and full sun. Lightly press 2-3 New Day Series seeds into soil 8 inches apart in average, medium dry, and well-drained soil in full sun. New Day Series gazania does not perform well in clay or poorly drained soils and can be susceptible to mold and mildew if not drained properly. Gazania is known to be tolerant of drought and dry soils and has no known pests or diseases. New Day Series is a semi-dwarfed variety and should be planted on the south end of the garden to avoid being cast in shade. New Day Series gazania seeds mature in 84-91 days as 8-10 inch tall shrubby uprights with a 6-8 inch spread of 3-4 inch daisy-like blooms.

Gazania splendens, or more commonly known as Treasure Flower, is native to the hot and thirsty regions of southern Africa. Although native to coastal Africa, the gazania has been naturalized to the Mediterranean region and thrives perennially along its warm coastal winters. The genus Gazania pays homage to 15th century scholar Theodorus Gaza who was the first to translate the Latin botanical works of ancient Grecian botanist Theophrastus.