Does Red Stripe represent perfection in the well known F1 'Daybreak' Gazania series or are there more varieties to come? Following the success of 'Bright Orange' and 'Garden Sun' a new trump-card is being played that is even more attractive while maintaining the uniformity and productivity of the series. 'Daybreak Red Stripe' is once again early and compact in the greenhouse, but above all exceptionally beautiful. Red stripes shine out and dissipate from the centre of the flower over each of the deep yellow petals. When day breaks the flowers open and radiate in the sunshine. Daybreak Red Stripe blooms profusely until the first night frost.
In detail
The well known garden plant Gazania splendens (or "rigens") originates in South Africa. The petals are usually orange, yellow or white, but sometimes bronze or pink. At the base they are often brown forming an attractive ring at the centre. The flowers close in darker weather and open again with first rays of the sun. "Daybreak", called after this surprising effect of the sunlight, is one of the most well known Gazania hybrids. 'Daybreak Red Stripe' is a really unique variation of this Gazania series, with a red stripe dissipating out over each deep yellow petal. This gives the startling effect of a radiating sun when the flowers open. It is the third Gazania from the 'Daybreak' series to win a Gold Medal from Fleuroselect the international organisation for testing new flower seeds. The golden-yellow 'Garden Sun' from 1990 was only emanated in 1996 by 'Bright Orange' which bloomed earlier, richer and more uniformly than any other seed Gazania. The new 'Daybreak Red Stripe' yet again beats it predecessors in beauty, keeping the compact form, and countless, large, single flowers, which open earlier than other Gazanias. This richly flowering and unusual plant therefore shines in the garden, even before the penetration of the first sun's rays. If sown in January, 'Daybreak Red Stripe' can be planted out from May (end of the frosts). To germinate, the seeds should be covered lightly and kept damp at 21°C. After 3 weeks the seedlings can be transferred to 9 cm pots or sets (16 or 24). Growth regulators are not required. Hobby gardens can expect later flowering due to lower temperatures during the growth period. Gazanias perform well in borders, rockeries and in pots. They can withstand dry conditions, salty air and wind and have a preference for a sunny spot and well drained soil.
