Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Gazanias

Gazanias are beautiful flowers that will bloom in many bright colors, but as with other flowers, they should be grown a specific way to reach their full potential. There are many simple mistakes that you can avoid when planting and growing gazanias. By avoiding these mistakes, you can make sure that you have a flower bed full of the flower.

1. Choosing Unhealthy Plants

If you plan to purchase your gazania plants from a nursery, make sure you can identify diseases or potential problems. It is important to get a plant that is healthy, otherwise it could die once your transplant it into your garden.

If a plant looks sickly or wilted, select a different plant. Do not worry if there are currently no blooms on the plant, if the leaves and stems look healthy, it should transplant easily into your garden.

The best way to tell if a plant is healthy is by seeing signs of new growth either in the leaves or in the buds.

2. Planting in the Wrong Conditions

Though you can plant gazanias at any time from spring to fall, they do best when they are planted in the spring after the final frost.

They should be planted in a place where they will receive full sun. Gazanias need the rays from the sun in order to survive and add new growth. Do not plant gazanias any closer than 6 to 9 inches apart. They need to be able to spread out and receive all the nutrients they need. They will get fewer nutrients if they are competing for them.

It is also important to note that if you are transplanting your gazanias to only plant them as deep into the ground as they were in their containers. This way they will not be too buried.

3. Planting in Hard or Unfertizlized Soil

Make sure that you plant your gazanias in well-drained soil and place a thin layer of organic fertilizer around the plant and in the planting hole to give the plant the nutrients it needs to spread out its roots and add new growth. It is also important to water them completely until the soil is moist after you plant them.

4. Improper Maintenance Techniques

Make sure that you water your gazanias when the soil around them is dry to the touch. During the driest part of summer, they may need to be watered at least once a day.

Every spring, use bypass pruners to cut away the old foliage and stems. This will allow for new growth. At the same time, add a thin layer of organic fertilizer around the plant to give it the nutrients it needs to grow quickly.

5. Forgetting to Check for Insects and Diseases

Make sure that your plants are insect and disease free. In most cases, you will be able to tell if harmful insects have attached your plants with discolored leaves. Some insect activity, such as honey bees, is normal, but make sure to protect your plants from other insects.

Remove infected areas and spray with an organic insect repellent that will not harm your flowers.

Gazanias are beautiful flowers and with the proper care, you will be able to enjoy them throughout the year.

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