African Daisy (Osteospermum) care

The African Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis), native to South Africa, is an incredibly resilient plant, and we can enjoy its blooming from May to October as long as we respect its needs. Nowadays, it is known by several names, but most people refer to it as African Daisy. Other commonly used names include Cape Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy and Osteospermum.

African Daisy is increasingly popular in gardens, and its pleasantly colored, daisy-like flowers are loved by many. If you like daisies, you will also adore the African Daisy. It plays a significant role in expanding the variety of spring flowers.

Description of African Daisy

The annual, perennial, or evergreen dwarf shrubs are only partially frost-resistant. The perennial varieties belong to the Osteospermum family, some of which are frost-tolerant and evergreen, while others need to be overwintered in frost-free locations. The species in this family mostly have lance-shaped leaves, and the flowers are radiate flower heads.

The flower colors range from white to pink shades to deep purple. Since these colors can only be placed in very specific environments, they are not recommended to be mixed with red, burgundy, or blue, as the resulting color combination can be quite unusual.

The deep purple varieties look best when planted alongside white lobelia, white alyssum, or white trailing geranium. The white varieties can be planted next to red trailing geraniums or blue lobelia. The pink varieties can also be paired with other white-flowered or pink-toned plants.

It often produces such a large mass of flowers that they completely cover the plant. Its height can reach a maximum of 12 - 16 inches (30 - 40 cm).

Other names for the African Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis) include Cape Daisy, Osteo Flower, Drop Flower, Storm Flower, African Sunflower.

African Daisy Care

African Daisy care in short: It is a plant with very high light requirements, needing at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. It requires daytime temperatures between 68 - 81 °F (20 - 27 °C). It has moderate water needs, and stagnant water can harm it. Flowering can be promoted by using fertilizers with higher phosphorus content.

Light Requirements for African Daisy

For the proper care of the African Daisy, it is important to know that it is a sun-loving plant that needs a lot of sunlight to thrive and bloom beautifully. It can be placed in full sun or partial shade, but it requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Since it also loves full sun, it is recommended as a balcony plant.

In very hot, intensely sunny regions, partial shade may be necessary, but in cooler areas, it is best planted in a location that receives constant sunlight.

If it does not receive enough sunlight, its stems may elongate, and it may not produce many flowers. However, if it receives too much direct sunlight, its leaves may scorch, and the flowers may wilt.

Temperature Requirements for African Daisy

In general, daytime temperatures of 68 - 81 °F (20 - 27 °C) and nighttime temperatures around 50 °F (10 °C) are ideal for African Daisy.

It can withstand extreme weather conditions well, but the non-frost-tolerant varieties need to be brought inside for the winter and kept in a frost-free place. Since it originates from South Africa, where it is accustomed to warm and dry conditions, it enjoys and requires warmth and higher temperatures.

African Daisy is not a frost-tolerant plant and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. In regions with cold, harsh winters, it is better to grow it as an annual or bring it inside for the winter.

Watering Requirements for African Daisy

African Daisy has moderate water needs, and it is advisable to protect it from excessive rain as it does not tolerate too much water. However, if planted in a container or pot, do not let the soil dry out completely, as African Daisy will go into a "dormant mode" to survive the drought, suspending flower production, and it will not easily bloom again.

The best way to water it is to let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. You can easily determine when it needs water by inserting your finger 1-2 inches (2-3 cm) into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water again.

Water slowly and thoroughly to ensure the water soaks the soil entirely, reaching the roots. When watering, make sure the leaves do not get wet, as wet leaves can lead to fungal infections.

Fertilizing African Daisy

African Daisy appreciates nutrient supplementation. Since its flowers are its main decorative feature, it is worth choosing fertilizers with a higher phosphorus content. For example, the NPK ratio can be 1-2-2 or 1-2-1.

If its growth stagnates or it produces few flowers, choose a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content. From spring to autumn, it is recommended to water with nutrient-rich water every 1-2 weeks. In winter, if you overwinter it, fertilization is not necessary.

When planting, it is advisable to mix well-rotted compost or organic manure into the soil. This provides long-term nutrients for the plant. Slow-release fertilizers can also be applied during planting. Additionally, in spring, you can scatter granular fertilizer on the soil surface, which will leach into the soil with watering.

Planting African Daisy

African Daisy prefers moderately nutrient-rich, porous, well-draining soil that can be slightly acidic. It is best to plant it in early spring after the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot for it.

If the soil is not well-draining, mix it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve water and air permeability. Ideally, the soil should be loose and crumbly, allowing the roots to grow easily and access more nutrients.

If the soil is too clayey, add sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Plant it at the same depth as it was in the pot, ensuring that the root collar does not end up too deep in the soil.

Overwintering African Daisy

African Daisy is a tender perennial that is often grown as an annual in colder climates. It is not frost-resistant, and in very low, freezing temperatures, it may not survive the winter.

In regions with mild winters, it can be left outdoors to overwinter. However, in colder regions, it is recommended to bring it inside or treat it as an annual. If brought indoors, place it in a very bright location. The optimal temperature for overwintering is 41 - 50 °F (5 - 10 °C).

Further Care

Ensure that the spent flowers are not left on the plant for too long. Flowering can be prolonged by removing the faded blooms. African Daisy flowers also last a long time in a vase. It is advisable to provide additional nutrients as needed.

Blooming of African Daisy

African Daisy usually starts blooming in spring and summer, continuously producing flowers until late autumn. The most intense blooming period is during the cooler months, typically in spring and autumn.

Its flowers are daisy-shaped, large, and come in various colors. Sufficient sunlight is essential for flowering. If placed in a shaded area, it may produce fewer flowers. In hot weather, blooming may pause, but once the heat subsides, it will resume blooming. During hot and dry periods, water more frequently.

Pruning and Shaping African Daisy

Pruning the African Daisy promotes compact, bushy growth. Regularly removing faded flowers can encourage the plant to produce new blooms.

In spring, after overwintering, prune the plants to encourage new growth. Also, cut back weak, dead, or excessively long stems.

Continuously pinch off the faded flowers so that the plant does not use energy for seed production.

Propagating African Daisy

Perennial African Daisy varieties can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Non-perennial varieties are propagated from seeds. The most common propagation methods are cutting and seed sowing.

Propagating African Daisy by Cuttings

Propagating African Daisy by cuttings is the most reliable method, as the new plants will be identical to the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is before flowering or after the flowering period ends.

Select strong, healthy, 3 - 4 inch (7 - 10 cm) long shoots that are free of flower buds. Remove the lower leaves to reduce moisture loss. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone, but this step is optional.

Plant the cuttings in well-draining, loose soil and place them in a bright but shaded spot. Keep the soil slightly moist but not too wet.

Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their final location in a pot, container, or in the garden. It typically takes 3 - 6 weeks for the roots to establish.

Propagating African Daisy from Seeds

If you plan to collect seeds yourself, wait until the flowers fade and the seeds are fully developed. Propagating African Daisy from seeds takes more time, and the offspring may not always have the same color as the parent plant, but it can result in colorful variations.

Sow seeds in April in their permanent location, leaving a spacing of 8 inches (20 cm) between rows. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 0.08 - 0.12 inches or 2-3 mm deep). The ideal temperature for germination is 64 - 72 °F (18 - 22 °C). Seeds typically germinate within 7 - 14 days. Thin out the seedlings to 6 inches (15 cm) apart.

Although it is not a water-demanding plant, the seedlings should be watered regularly after sowing and thinning. Later, even during longer dry periods, it only requires moderate watering.

Propagating African Daisy by Division

Propagating African Daisy by division is a less common method. Divide the plant in spring or autumn. Carefully dig up or remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off most of the soil from the roots.

Then, separate the plant into two clusters, ensuring that each section has sufficient roots and that the root system remains as intact as possible. Plant each divided section in its own spot.

African Daisy Diseases, Pests, and Causes of Decline

African Daisy is prone to powdery mildew on its leaves, so try to keep the foliage dry. Additionally, insufficient light and intense, scorching sunlight can cause issues.

African Daisy Diseases

During wet summers, protect the plant from grey mold (Botrytis), as it is highly susceptible to it. Symptoms include grey, moldy coating on flowers and leaves. Flowers and stems may wilt and die. Remove infected parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.

In poorly ventilated, humid conditions, powdery mildew may appear. This manifests as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. In severe cases, the plant may weaken, and its leaves may yellow and fall. Remove affected parts and apply a fungicide.

African Daisy Pests

Aphids are tiny green, black, or grey insects that appear on stems and the undersides of leaves, leaving behind a sticky honeydew residue. Symptoms include deformed, yellowing leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or a pesticide.

Spider mites may leave fine webbing between leaves. Infestation can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Use a miticide to control them.

In the garden, snails may chew on the leaves. If you notice slimy trails around the plant, snails are likely present. Use snail repellents or scatter crushed eggshells around the plant as a deterrent.

Environmental Factors and Improper Care of African Daisy

Overwatering can cause root rot in soggy, poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting stems and yellowing or browning leaves.

Insufficient light can result in leggy, weak stems and reduced or absent flowering.

Nutrient deficiencies may cause pale leaves, stunted growth, and minimal flowering.

Excessive fertilization can burn the roots, causing leaf browning.

Drought stress can cause leaves and flowers to wilt, potentially killing the plant quickly.

Heat stress may halt flowering and cause leaves to yellow or brown. During extremely hot weather, provide some shade.

Is African Daisy Toxic?

African Daisy is not considered toxic, but if ingested, it may cause mild vomiting and diarrhea.