African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) are known for their vivid coloring and daisy-like appearance, with petals radiating around a central disk. These flowers are relatively low-maintenance when grown in an environment they enjoy. African daisies work equally well in the ground or in containers, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Here's a detailed guide on how to successfully germinate and grow African daisies.
How to GROW Dimorphotheca/African DAISY From Seed
When to Plant
These flowers are best planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, usually at around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. To start indoors, begin 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Growth Rate and Hardiness
African daisies have a fairly quick growth rate, blooming about two months after sprouting from seeds. Since they are perennials, African daisies will come back every year within their hardiness zones. Reliably hardy in zones 10 to 11, these tender perennials are planted as annuals in other climate zones.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Make sure they have lots of sun and soil with good drainage. Plant or transplant in full sun and well-draining soil. African Daisies will tolerate most soils as long as it is well-draining. They also dislike humidity, which is why it is intermediate to grow in GA. When growing in humid climates, create good air circulation with proper plant spacing. African daisies bloom best in full sun and can tolerate partial shade, though this may result in fewer flowers. The blooms generally open in response to light and close at night and during overcast weather.
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Soil Preferences
African daisies prefer organically rich soil with sharp drainage and a slightly acidic soil pH.
Watering
Although somewhat drought-tolerant once established, African daisies still need at least 1 inch of water per week to grow their best. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, especially until the seedlings are about 4 inches tall. After that, less water is okay.
Temperature
African daisies prefer mild weather, which is when they bloom most profusely. They can handle nighttime temperatures down to about 40°F, though frost will damage or kill them.
Fertilizing
These flowers like a lot of food to grow and bloom at their best. Plan to water and fertilize regularly throughout the growing season (spring to fall). Fertilize every two to three weeks. Potted plants require more fertilizer.
How to Germinate African Daisy Seeds
- Fill a shallow tray with a sterile seed-starting mixture and dampen the mix slightly.
- About eight to 10 weeks before the last winter/spring frost, sow the seeds directly on the surface of a pot filled with ordinary potting mix.
- Very lightly cover the seeds (light is necessary for the seeds to germinate). Then sow seeds into cells or pots. Gently press the seeds into the soil as they require light to germinate. They can be very lightly covered with soil to keep them from blowing away.
- Keep the seeds moist until they germinate. Use sterile, pre-moistened seed starting mix.
- Then place the cells or pots under grow lights.
- Grow the seedlings in bright indirect light until outdoor planting time.
- Plants started indoors should be hardened off for two full weeks before outdoor planting.
Planting and Spacing
Plant them at least 12 inches apart to give them room to spread, as some varieties can stretch out to about 12 inches wide.
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Popular African Daisy Varieties
Here are a few popular varieties of African daisies:
- Osteospermum 'Passion Mix': This compact plant reaches around a foot tall and comes in a variety of colors (pink, purple, rose, and white), all with blue centers. This is an easy variety to grow from seed and is known for its heat tolerance.
- Osteospermum '4D': Known for their fluffy, tufted centers, these flowers remain open all day even in hot weather. The plants grow up to 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'FlowerPower Spider White': These blooms have odd, spoon-shaped, white and lavender petals with a gold center. The plants grow roughly 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'Lemon Symphony': This plant's butter-yellow petals have a purple center and orange eye. This variety grows about 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'Pink Sugar': Pink and orange petals that go into a gold center. This variety grows about 10 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'Ravers Hearts and Tarts': This variety has orange and pink flowers, It grows roughly about 12 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'Sideshow Copper Apricot': This variety has striking pale apricot flowers with a purple center disk. It grows up to 12 inches tall.
- Osteospermum 'Soprano White': The blooms on this plant are white with a blue center that is bordered by purple and yellow.
Most African daisy varieties are hybrids and won't grow true from seeds saved from the plants, but you may be able to find seeds for some of the pure species varieties of African daisy, such as Osteospermum ecklonis. However, you can easily propagate your plants by cuttings, which is also the best way to overwinter the plant outside of its hardiness zones.
Taking Cuttings
Use sharp bypass pruners to take plant cuttings with two sets of leaf nodes or more, trimming 2 to 3 inches.
Pest and Disease Management
There aren't many pests or diseases that attack African daisies if the plants are kept stress-free in the proper environment. Some common plant pests, including whiteflies and aphids, can become a problem, especially for stressed plants. Such problems will present with damaged or discolored foliage. African daisies are susceptible to fungal issues.
Encouraging Blooming
African daisies generally bloom easily on their own, but several conditions can cause reduced blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to prompt additional blooming. Shade African daisies from extreme heat and add extra water during dry periods. Move them to a sunnier location if the plants are leggy and not blooming fully.
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Additional Tips
- In cooler climates, African daisies usually bloom consistently from spring to fall, but in very hot, humid climates you may see your plants go semi-dormant during the hottest weeks of midsummer. This is normal, and the plants will normally rebound as the weather cools.
- Dead-head plants to encourage more to prolong the blooming season, but leave some to save the seeds.
Benefits of Planting Daisies
Daisies are a flower that you can put to work for you. Not only are they pretty flowers, but they also attract numerous beneficial insects to your garden. These beneficial insects will eat pests. Plant them near your zucchini and potatoes to attract predators that will eat aphids and squash vine borers. If you struggle with leaf roller caterpillars in your green beans, daisies will help you! These are only some of the benefits daisies will provide.
African Daisy Mix (Dimorphotheca Sinuata)
African Daisy Mix Dimorphotheca Sinuata is an annual that comes from South Africa, and the plant has been naturalized throughout the United States. Commonly called Cape Marigold this flowering annual produces large blooms in brilliant shades of white, yellow, and orange. African Daisy is great for roadsides, floral gardens, arid regions, mixtures, open fields and rock gardens.
Dimorphotheca Sinuata seeds germinate quickly, and African Daisy likes full sun and hot, dry weather that is similar to its natural habitat. Cape Marigold is very drought tolerant, and this plant can tolerate some cool humid climate. African Daisy can be a good winter annual to plant in zones 10-13 and a good spring/summer annual in zones 8-10.
After all danger of frost, sow Mixed Colors African Daisy seeds in open ground. Cover with 0.25" of soil. Prefers light, dry and not too rich soil. For earlier bloom, start indoors about 4 to 5 weeks before last frost. When plants are a few inches high, thin or transplant.
Nutrient Care Instructions
Apply SUPERthrive once per week. Soak in solution of 1/4 tsp per gal for 15 min.
Regional Planting
In Arizona and California plant in late summer for winter bloom.
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