Osteospermum belongs to Africa so the common name derive African Daisies. They prefer same growing conditions found in Africa.
Osteospermum, or African daisy, is a popular tender perennial that is grown as an annual. It produces daisy-like flowers in many shades during spring or fall. Before hybrids came into existence, Osteospermum was only available in peach and white colors. After breeding, new colors such as purple, pink, and bicolor appeared.
It can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. This plant is a good choice for pots and cut flowers.
USDA Zones: 9-11
Where to Grow Osteospermum
They are mostly grown as a cool-season annual. You find some varieties that are hardy to zone 10-11 but can’t endure very cold temperatures. Often these plants stop flowering in the hot summer till cool nights continue in fall.
When to Expect Flowering
The flowers in African Daisy will start blooming in mid-summer. When grown from seeds, they may begin flowering until late summer.
Types of African Daisies
Since these plants are relatively new to the horticultural industry, exciting new varieties are emerging every year. Ongoing research aims to develop flowers that last longer and remain open both day and night. Additionally, the central disk flowers have been modified to be longer and denser, creating a 3D effect. New colors of osteospermum are continually being developed as well. Here are some options.
1. ‘Serenity Purple’
It displays rich purple blooms on 14 inches tall mounding plants.
2. ‘Mara’
‘Mara’ exhibit large flowers in apricot-tan colored petals with a pink center. This compact variety can grows up to 10 inches tall.
3. ‘Zion Sun Yellow’
‘Zion Sun Yellow’ offers yellow flowers during spring and fall and reach up to 12 inches.
4. ‘Flower Power Spider White’
It features daisy-shaped white and purple flowers with spoon-shaped petals. This variety can reach up to 14 inches tall.
5. ‘Soprano Compact Purple’
This variety with purple blooms has a compact growth pattern and can reach up to 10 inches tall.
6. ‘Sunny Dark Florence’ Osteospermum
‘Sunny Dark Florence’ displays orange blooms on a 12-inch tall plant.
7. ‘Peach Symphony’ Osteospermum
This African Daisy offers soft, peachy-coral blooms during spring and fall on a 14-inch tall plant.
8. Osteospermum ‘Zion Plum’
This variety displays purple-blue flowers in spring and fall. It can grow up to 12 inches tall.
9. ‘Serenity Lavender Frost’ Osteospermum
‘Serenity Lavender Frost’ features white blooms with lavender purple center. It attains a 14-inch height.
10. Sideshow Copper Apricot Osteospermum
It bears soft apricot-orange blossoms with a purple tint on a 1-foot-tall mounding plant.
11. ‘Soprano Vanilla Spoon’ Osteospermum
It offers white blooms with spoon-shaped petals on 2-feet tall plants.
12. ‘Yellow Symphony’ Osteospermum
This drought-tolerant variety features golden yellow blooms with purple centers on 14-inch tall plants.
Propagating Osteospermum
Many Osteospermum are hybrids and cannot be grown from seeds, but planting them from cuttings of an existing plant is possible. Choose 3-5 inches long, non-flowering shoots; remove any lower leaves of the cutting. Dip the cut ends in the rooting hormone. Plant them in a well-drained soil.
If you find fresh seeds in a local nursery, sprinkle them on the top of the growing medium indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your region. Avoid covering the seeds.
Place the pot in the bright light so they germinate. Remember, they cannot handle the heat, so the location has to be cool but well-lit. The seedlings will appear in around 2 weeks. Transfer the seedlings when they are 3-4 inches tall to individual containers. After the last frost during spring, shift Osteospermum outdoors.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Osteospermum
Light
Grow Osteospermum in full sunlight to promote flowering. At least 6 hours of sun is essential for best blooms.
Soil
The soil has to be well-draining and evenly moist. However, wet soil can exhaust and even kill the plant.
Water
When osteospermums are well-established, they can withstand drought.
Osteospermum Care
Fertilizer
Before planting, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Add a liquib fertilizer every two weeks in the summer. Feeding the plant frequently and deadheading any spent flowers keep it flowering.
Pests and Problems
Thrips can be a problem for your osteospermums, these pests feed on the pollen of the flower and scratch on the petals for water. To control this issue you can take help of beneficial insects.
