How to grow Botterblom

Gazania krebsiana makes a fantastic garden plant provided it is planted in sunny areas and does not get too much water. They are either used individually in beds, as border plants, mass plantings, window boxes or containers. The best floral displays can be achieved by planting them in masses like ground covers or by using several species of Gazania together. There are a number of Gazania subspecies, cultivars, and hybrids available from nurseries, each with its own unique character and colour. ¹

All Gazania species and cultivars are easy to establish by mixing the hairy fruits with sand to obtain a better distribution and planting it directly in loosened soil. After sowing, the soil must be irrigated immediately to ensure that the seeds come in close contact with the soil for germination purposes. The seeds germinate after 4-6 days. Alternatively, sow fruits first into a sandy medium and cover slightly with sand to a depth of 2 mm. Water daily using a fine water spray and keep in a sheltered environment. The seeds are sown in April.¹

As soon as the seedlings are strong enough, they may be planted in the garden. ¹

These estimates for how long Botterblom takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

The generic name Gazania, was given in honour of Theodor of Gaza (1398-1478). He was responsible for the translation of the botanical works of Theophrastus from Greek into Latin. Another possibility is that gaza is Greek for riches and could refer to the richness in colour, variety and abundance of the plant.

The Afrikaans common name botterblom (butter flower), owes its name to the fact that the ray florets are supposed to taste like butter when chewed.

The English common name, terracotta gazania, refers to the terracotta colour of the flowers.

They are very good colonizers and are regarded as very good soil stabilizers. Wild and domesticated herbivores are very fond of these plants. Gazania krebsiana and other members of the genus are very valuable for grazing, but are often underestimated. The plants can make a major contribution to the pasture, especially in the dry areas of the winter rainfall region where denuded, trampled patches occur in the veld. Due to unwise subsistence farming in the Namaqualnd region, many Gazania habitats were completely transformed and the plants have become absent from the land.

Beside the fact that Gazania krebsiana is a palatable plant, there don’t seem to be any recorded medicinal uses. ¹

Terracotta gazania, Gousblom (afrikaans), Botterblom (afrikaans), Rooi gazania (afrikaans), Treasure Flower

Gazania pavonia

¹ PlantzAfrica-Gazania krebsiana

² Latin Dictionary