About Gazania
A low-growing, sun-worshipping daisy with large, showy flower heads in dazzling combinations of orange, yellow, red, bronze, pink, and white — many with dramatic dark ring patterns and contrasting stripes radiating from the center. Gazania flowers open wide in bright sunlight and close on cloudy days and at night, creating a living sundial effect. Its silvery-green, narrow leaves add textural interest even when not in bloom. Gazania belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from Southern Africa; adapted to hot, dry, coastal conditions..
Gazania is an excellent choice for Philippine gardens that get full, blazing sun — exactly the harsh, dry conditions most plants struggle in. Its South African origins make it naturally heat-tough and drought-tolerant. Filipino gardeners are discovering it as a reliable groundcover and container flower for rooftops, driveways, and sunny balconies. Performs best during the dry season (November to May) and may need protection from prolonged monsoon rain. Seeds and seedlings are available at garden centers, seed shops like Ramgo and East-West, and online plant sellers.
Also known as: African Daisy.
Popular Varieties
- Gazania rigens 'Daybreak Mix' (large flowers, striped patterns, early blooming)
- Gazania rigens 'Kiss Mix' (compact, uniform, multiple colors)
- Gazania rigens 'Talent Mix' (grey-green foliage, opens in lower light)
- Gazania rigens 'Big Kiss White Flame' (white petals with dark red stripe)
How to Plant Gazania in the Philippines
Gazania can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, division. The recommended method is seeds or basal stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Sow seeds 3 mm deep in well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep warm (24-28°C).
- Step 2: Germination takes 7-14 days. Seedlings are slow at first but establish well.
- Step 3: Transplant to full sun garden beds or containers, spacing 20-25 cm apart.
- Step 4: For cuttings: take 8-10 cm basal shoots with a heel, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in sandy mix.
- Step 5: Cuttings root in 3-4 weeks. Divide established clumps every 2-3 years.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun — essential. Flowers will not open without strong direct sunlight. At least 6-8 hours daily.. Position your gazania where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly — once or twice per week. Prefers to dry out between waterings. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (thrives in hot Philippine conditions; heat-tolerant like a true African native). Prefers low to moderate humidity. Tolerates Philippine humidity better than many other Mediterranean/South African plants if drainage is excellent. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing gazania outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeder. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of the growing season. Lean conditions encourage more flowers.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Remove old, tatty leaves at the base. Cut back leggy plants to refresh growth.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Flowers won't open
Cause: Cloudy weather, shade, or late afternoon — gazania flowers close without strong sun
Solution: This is natural behavior, not a problem. Plant in the sunniest spot possible. Flowers open in morning sun and close at dusk.
Crown rot
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage, especially during rainy season
Solution: Use gritty, fast-draining soil. Water less. Protect from prolonged heavy rain. Raised beds or containers help.
Sparse flowering
Cause: Insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization
Solution: Full sun is non-negotiable. Reduce fertilizer — gazania flowers most prolifically in lean soil.
Snail or slug damage on leaves
Cause: Humid conditions near ground level
Solution: Use organic slug bait. Grow in raised containers. Remove debris around plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Gazania in the Philippines?
Gazania needs full sun — essential. flowers will not open without strong direct sunlight. at least 6-8 hours daily.. Water drought-tolerant once established. water sparingly — once or twice per week. prefers to dry out between waterings.. Feed with light feeder. apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of the growing season. lean conditions encourage more flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (thrives in hot Philippine conditions; heat-tolerant like a true African native) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Gazania?
The recommended method is seeds or basal stem cuttings. Sow seeds 3 mm deep in well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep warm (24-28°C). Germination takes 7-14 days. Seedlings are slow at first but establish well.
Is Gazania toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Gazania grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Gazania grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Gazania?
Common issues include: Flowers won't open (caused by cloudy weather, shade, or late afternoon — gazania flowers close without strong sun — this is natural behavior, not a problem. plant in the sunniest spot possible. flowers open in morning sun and close at dusk); Crown rot (caused by overwatering or poor drainage, especially during rainy season — use gritty, fast-draining soil. water less. protect from prolonged heavy rain. raised beds or containers help); Sparse flowering (caused by insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization — full sun is non-negotiable. reduce fertilizer — gazania flowers most prolifically in lean soil).
Growing gazania in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!