Its vivid coloring is fascinating
In African daisies they closely resemble common daisies, with petals radiating around a central disc. They are family members asteraceaealong with shasta daisies and zinnias.
The petals can be smooth and flat like a typical daisy, or they can radiate in a tubular shape. The leaves vary: they can be lanceolate or broadly oval and smooth or toothed.
Best planted in spring, after the threat of frost, the species has a fairly rapid growth rate, blooms about two months after seed germination. Although there are more than 70 species in the genus, the best-selling commercially are cultivars and hybrids derived from O. ecklonis🇧🇷 O. jucundum and some other species.
treatment
African daisies work equally well in the ground or in pots. The flowers peak in late spring and early summer and again in late summer and early fall. like them stop blooming during hot spellsthey are best grown in combination with other plants which will be of visual interest in midsummer.
Best of all, they require very low maintenance when installed in an environment they like. Make sure they have it lots of sun and soil with good drainage🇧🇷 Plan to water and fertilize regularly throughout the growing season, spring through fall. Also, remove spent flowers to promote regrowth.
Light
Flowers grow best full sun🇧🇷 They can tolerate partial shade, but this will likely cause them to produce fewer flowers, as they normally open in response to light and close at night and during cloudy weather.
Land
Because they prefer organically rich soils with strong drainage and a slightly acidic pH, add compost or other organic matter when planting to improve drainage and add nutrients.
Waterfall
Although they tolerate drought to some extent, once planted these daisies still need at least an inch of water a week to grow at their best. During periods of drought or intense heat, plants slow down and hibernate.
to seek keep the earth evenly moist🇧🇷 But don’t water too much, as the soggy surface can promote diseases such as root rot.
temperature and humidity
The species prefer a mild climate, which is when they bloom most profusely. They can withstand night temperatures up to around 4 ° C, even if the frost damages or kills them. Moisture is usually not an issue as long as they have good air circulation, adequate irrigation, and soil drainage.
Fertilizer
These flowers love a lot of food to grow and bloom at their best. In addition to mixing the compost into the soil, apply a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants monthly during the growing season. Potted seedlings may require even more frequent feeding.
Types of African daisy
There are dozens of species and varieties of African daisies, including:
Osteospermum Passion Mix
This compact plant reaches around 30cm in height and comes in a variety of colors, all with blue centers. An easy type to grow from seed, it is known for its heat tolerance.
Osteospermum 4D
Famous for its fluffy, quilted centers, this flower stays open all day, even in warm weather. They grow up to 14 cm in height.
Osteospermum flower power white spider
With unique white and lavender shapes with a golden center, they can be around 14cm tall.
Symphony of the lemon Osteospermum
Butter-yellow petals of this type have a purple center and an orange eye. The variety reaches a height of about 14 cm.
Copper apricot from Osteospermum sideshow
The type has striking pale apricot blossoms with a central purple disc. It reaches up to 12 cm in height.
Propagation
Most varieties are hybrids and do not grow from seeds saved by plants. But you can easily propagate it by cuttings.
To do it:
First, fill a shallow tray with a sterile seed mixture. Lightly moisten everything.
Then, take cuttings 5 to 7.6 cm long, which have at least two sets of leaf nodes, using sharp pruners. Remove any flower buds that are present and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, then plant it in the seed mixture. Cover the tray with a plastic dome and place it in a place with strong indirect light and temperatures between 15ºC and 20ºC.
In four to six weeks, the seedlings should be efficiently rooted for transplanting into individual pots filled with substrate or an outdoor garden.
How to grow from seed
You can find seeds for some of the varieties of pure African daisy species such as osteospermum ecklonis🇧🇷 Here’s how to start seedlings from seeds:
About 8-10 weeks before the last winter / spring frost, plant the seeds directly on the surface of a pot filled with regular substrate. Cover the seeds very lightly, in a place with light and keep them moist so that they germinate.
Grow seedlings in bright indirect light until placement outdoors. Plants started indoors should be grown for two weeks before planting outdoors. Pinch the branches immediately after placing them to encourage denser growth.
Common pests and diseases
There aren’t many pests or diseases that attack them if they are kept stress free and in the right environment. However, in humid conditions, be careful fungal diseases such as gray mold🇧🇷 These diseases will show damaged or discolored foliage. Try to improve air circulation around your seedling and use a fungicide if necessary.
Some common plant pests, including whiteflies and aphids, can become a problem, especially for stressed vegetation. But they can be controlled with an insecticide or chemical spray if caught early.
how to flourish
The species doesn’t usually need a lot of encouragement to flower, but like many flowering seedlings, regular trimming of worn parts will trigger better development. Several conditions can cause reduced flowering:
Bad nutrition: try increasing your nutrition every two to three weeks. Potted branches, in particular, require more fertilizer.
Extreme heat and dryness: shade your plants and give them extra water if they don’t bloom properly.
Insufficient light: these generally tolerate partial shade, but very little sun will hit them.
What are the best ways to use them in the landscape?
African daisies are good flowers for mixed borders and flower beds, but unlike many daisies they are not suitable for flower lawns or other naturalized gardens.
They also work well in containers on patios and decks. Some designers recommend planting them alongside seedlings with yellow or chartreuse foliage, which brings out the colors of the flowers.
Do they work as houseplants?
Unlike some tender perennials, these daisies don’t grow very well indoors. Unless you have an ideal location, such as a porch, they will die. If you want to overwinter African daisies, take the branches and root them indoors.
* Via L’abete
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Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
