African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.) are charming flowers that, like common daisies, have each petal radiating a central disk. They distinguish themselves with vibrant colors that transcend the traditional daisy palette. African daisy flowers come in a spectacular range of colors, including white, cream, pink, yellow, purple and blue, which add sparkle to the garden.
These plants are best planted in the spring, once the frost threat has passed, usually when temperatures reach around 25°F. While they can handle a surprise frost, repeated frost exposure is detrimental to their health. African daisies have a rapid growth cycle and typically start to bloom about two months after seeding. They are hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11 but are often grown as annuals in colder climates. On average, they live 2 to 3 years when cultivated as perennials.
How to Grow and Care for African Daisy Plant
Common Name: African daisy, Cape daisy
Botanical Name: Osteospermum spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Perennial or annual
Mature Size: 1–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic
Bloom Time: Spring, summer, fall
Flower Color: Purple, pink, yellow, orange, white
Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (USDA)
Native Area: Africa, Asia
One of the most attractive flowers for the winter and spring gardens is the African daisy. It is a native plant of South Africa. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, orange, and purple. Although it is an exotic species, its beauty is impressive. The central “eyes” of the flower can vary in color, which provides interesting visual contrasts. Some varieties even create a subtle tie-dye effect, where the colors fade toward the center.
To fully appreciate the array of colors, you want to plant a variety of colorful plants in the garden. These daisies do not need special care after transplanting them into the garden; the beauty of the flowers in the season will fill in a way that can’t be explained.
Flowering Season
African daisies bloom when the rains arrive in South Africa during the spring. In other regions, they typically bloom in winter and spring. While they are technically perennials, they can be difficult to maintain in dry conditions, leading many gardeners to grow them as annuals.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the right spot for your African daisy is crucial for its success. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to promote growth and prevent diseases. They prefer sloping, fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy-loamy soil.
Seedling Selection
When purchasing seedlings, be sure to select healthy and vigorous plants. High-quality seedlings are often available at nurseries between December and January.
Soil preparation and transplanting
African daisies prefer sandy or light loamy soils. Dense, wet clay is not preferred, as the plant requires drained soil for growth that will stay moist but not waterlogged. For best results, mix one part garden soil (loamy soil), two parts sand (you can use cocopeat instead of sand), and one part organic matter like vermicompost, leaf compost, or cow dung. Remember that all winter flowering plants need special preparation (best soil). For extra nutrition, especially when planting in containers, add a handful of bone meal, horn meal, and neem cake. Carefully transplant the seedlings and water lightly.
Fertilizing
To encourage plant growth and large flowers, fertilize the plants once a month. During the main growth period of the plant, before flowering, apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and later apply phosphorus-based fertilizers. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can harm the plant. Try to use organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers.
Loosen the top soil once a month so that it can easily absorb nutrients and moisture.
Sunlight and temperature requirements
In winter, keep African daisies in a place where bright sunlight is available. These plants need bright, direct light in the morning for growth. It needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day. More sunlight means more flowers.
The ideal temperature range is between 8°C and 14°C. If the temperature is above 25 °C, the leaves can form sunburn wounds, and the shoots can dry out. The African daisy can withstand temperatures up to -7 degrees Celsius.
Watering Guidelines
African daisies need moderate watering, especially when the temperature rises above 20 °C. Keep the soil moist but avoid excessive watering, as this can cause root rot. Allow the top one or two inches of soil in the middle of the watering to dry, then water.
Don’ts
Do not over water the plant.
Avoid applying water on flowers and leaves cause fungus infection.
Disease and Pest Management
African daisies can be prone to root or shoot rot, often caused by overwatering or soil-borne fungi. Infected plants show stunted growth, blackened stems, or eventually wilt and die. To prevent this, sterilize the soil before transplanting seedlings. Treat affected plants with fungicides like Ridomil or Diathane M-45 at 0.2% every 7-10 days for effective control.
Whiteflies and aphids, beetles and spiders can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or chemical sprays.
Special Care
- Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the african daisy plant.
- For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.
Types of African Daisies
Several African daisy varieties offer a range of colors and growth habits:
Osteospermum ‘Passion Mix’: Compact with a variety of colors including pink, purple, rose, and white. Known for heat tolerance.
Osteospermum ‘4D’: Features tufted centers and remains open even in hot weather. Grows up to 14 inches tall.
Osteospermum ‘FlowerPower Spider White’: Unique white and lavender spoon-shaped petals with a gold center.
Osteospermum ‘Lemon Symphony’: Butter-yellow petals with a purple center and orange eye.
Osteospermum ‘Pink Sugar’: Pink and orange petals with a gold center.
Osteospermum ‘Ravers Hearts and Tarts’: Orange and pink flowers, growing about 12 inches tall.
Osteospermum ‘Sideshow Copper Apricot’: Pale apricot flowers with a purple center disk.
Osteospermum ‘Soprano White’: White blooms with a blue center bordered by purple and yellow.
Propagating African Daisies
African daisies are often hybrids and won’t grow true from saved seeds. To propagate, take cuttings from healthy plants:
1. Fill a shallow tray with sterile seed-starting mix and dampen it slightly.
2. Use sharp pruners to take cuttings with two or more leaf nodes, trimming to 2–3 inches.
3. Remove any flower buds and lower leaves, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant the cut end in the mix, cover with a plastic dome, and place in bright indirect light at temperatures between 60°F and 68°F.
5. After 4–6 weeks, when rooted, transplant into individual containers or an outdoor garden.
Growing from Seeds
If you find seeds for African daisies, particularly pure species like Osteospermum ecklonis, follow these steps:
1. Sow seeds on the surface of a pot filled with potting mix, lightly covering them.
2. Keep the seeds moist until germination.
3. Grow seedlings in bright indirect light until they can be planted outdoors.
4. Harden off indoor seedlings for two weeks before planting outside.
5. Pinch back seedlings to encourage bushier growth.
FAQ About African daisies
How often should African daisies be watered?
Once a week, give your African daisies an inch or so of water. To avoid dormancy, increase watering during hot and dry conditions.
Can African daisies survive frost?
Although minor frost is tolerable for African daisies, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause harm or even death to the plant. In colder climates, it’s advisable to move them indoors or start cuts before the first frost.
Do African daisies come back every year?
African daisies are perennial in USDA zones 10–11; they will come back each year. They are produced as annuals in colder areas.
