Gazanias are often called “Treasure Flowers,” and it’s easy to see why! The name is a nod to their brilliant, coin-like shape and the way their petals only pop open when the sun is shining bright. Because they are such showstoppers, many gardeners want to know how to get more of them for the following season. You’ve got two main ways to do it: taking cuttings or starting from seed.
Propagating with Cuttings
The easiest way to multiply your Gazanias is by taking cuttings. The best time to do this is in late summer. Even though the plants are usually still in full bloom then, you don’t want to wait until October. If you wait too long, the cuttings won’t have enough time to establish a solid root system before their winter nap. Since Gazanias are not winter hardy, you’ll need to keep these babies in a cool, bright spot indoors over the winter.
Making the Right Cut
When you’re looking for cuttings, aim for stems that are slightly “woody”—this means they’re a bit firmer and stronger than the soft new growth. Look for pieces about 6 to 8 inches long. Always use a sharp, clean pair of garden shears to keep the parent plant healthy. Once you’ve made your cut, strip off any leaves or flower buds from the bottom half of the stem.
Into the Pot They Go
Next, fill some small pots with a good seed-starting mix. Poke the cuttings into the soil until they are buried about halfway up. After that, find a warm, sunny spot for them. Gazanias are total sun-worshippers and need plenty of light to thrive.
Caring for Your New Plants
To get those roots growing fast, you need to find the “Goldilocks” zone with your watering. If the soil dries out completely, the cuttings will wilt. However, Gazanias hate “wet feet” and are very prone to root rot if they sit in soggy soil. If you can keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, your cuttings should be ready to move into the garden by early next summer.
Here’s a quick checklist for the cutting method:
- Pick out slightly woody stems about 6-8 inches long.
- Cut them cleanly and strip leaves/buds from the bottom half.
- Bury them halfway deep in pots with seed-starting mix.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Transplant them into your garden beds the following early summer.
Growing from Seed
If you prefer, you can also grow Gazanias from seed, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, many Gazanias sold in garden centers are hybrids. This means their seeds might be sterile, or if they do grow, the flowers might look totally different from the “mother” plant. If you want a specific color, your best bet is to buy a fresh packet of seeds from a reputable supplier.
Sowing the Seeds
When you’re ready to sow your seeds, mix a little sand into your potting soil to help with drainage. Here’s the most important part: Gazania seeds need light to germinate! Just press them lightly into the surface of the soil—don’t bury them. Just like the cuttings, these pots need a warm, bright home. Try to keep the temperature at least 65°F (18°C). A sunny windowsill is usually the perfect spot.
Nurturing Your Seedlings
Cover your pots with some clear plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect until the seeds sprout. Just make sure to lift the plastic a few times a day to let in fresh air and prevent mold. Keep the soil moist, and once you see green shoots poking up (usually after about two weeks), you can ditch the plastic wrap for good. Once the weather warms up and the plants are sturdy enough, they’ll be ready to head outside in early summer!
