How to Grow Gazania 'Mesa Yellow'
Wikimedia Commons
Gazania 'Mesa Yellow'
Gazania rigens 'Mesa Yellow'
flowerGazania 'Mesa Yellow' is a vibrant perennial flower producing large, daisy-like blooms in bright golden yellow with striking dark centers. This cultivar is known for its exceptional heat and drought tolerance, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. The flowers close at night and on cloudy days, opening only in direct sunlight.
When should you plant Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Gazania 'Mesa Yellow'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as annual in colder zones
Sign up free to see if Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; first true leaves are narrow and slightly fuzzy.
Keep soil lightly moist but well-draining. Provide bright light. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops rosette of narrow, silvery-green foliage. Stems lengthen and become sturdier.
Water moderately; reduce frequency as plant establishes. Do not fertilize heavily—lean soil encourages better flowering. Transplant when 3-4 inches tall.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form on long stems above the foliage. First blooms appear in bright yellow.
Continue moderate watering. Stop fertilizing or use low-nitrogen formula. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeksPlant produces abundant large daisy-like flowers with dark centers and prominent yellow petals. Flowers open fully in bright sun.
Maintain regular deadheading. Water only during prolonged drought. Minimal fertilizer needed. Flowers close at dusk and on overcast days.
Decline & Over-winter (perennial zones)
2-4 monthsFlowering may slow in cooler months. Plant may go dormant in zones 9-10 during winter.
Reduce watering significantly. No fertilizer needed. Prune back by one-third to half in late winter to promote spring growth. In colder zones, treat as annual or bring indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
-
Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, or insecticidal soap spray.
-
and
Remove by hand, use copper tape barriers, or apply organic slug bait.
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryGazania petals are non-toxic and can be used as a colorful, peppery-flavored garnish for salads and desserts. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe long stems and vibrant yellow blooms make Gazania excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements and bouquets. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscaping
HouseholdIdeal for xeriscaping, water-wise gardens, and sustainable landscape designs in arid and semi-arid regions. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn some cultures, Gazania has been traditionally used in herbal preparations, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back young plants by one-third when 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Cut flowers last well in arrangements if harvested in morning after sun opens them.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Gazania' honors Theodore of Gaza, a 15th-century translator of botanical texts. The flower is also sometimes called 'Treasure Flower' because of its jewel-like appearance.
- 🌱 Gazania flowers have a circadian rhythm—they open in bright sunlight and close at night or when skies are overcast, a behavior called nyctinasty. This is an adaptation to attract sun-loving pollinators.
- 🌱 Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' is a heat-loving cultivar highly prized in desert gardens and Mediterranean climates, capable of thriving with minimal water once established.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Gazania 'Mesa Yellow' timeline →