Osteospermum: How to grow Cape Daisy

When someone says Osteospermum, many people think of Cape daisy, also known as blue African Daisy. But Osteospermum flowers are also purple, red, yellow or pink. The African continent is well-known for producing many interesting cultivars, and this perennial flower is a really exciting specimen for flower lovers. In its home country, Osteospermum ecklonis creates a shrub-like formation with flowers up to 12 cm in size. It also closes its flowers during bad weather. Pretty cool, right?

Annual flower from the “edge of your flowerbed”

In central Europe this annualis usually planted at the edge of the flower patch. It needs a sunny spot and if grown in flowerpots it also needs permeable soil substrate. Cape daisy does not like excessive amount of water, which usually causes decay of the root system. Inflorescence suffers when planted at less sunny locations. If you notice any faded flowers, remove them immediately. Maintain proper moisture of soil during growing and protect the plant from whiteflies, in particular when planted in a greenhouse.

Cape Daisy Wintering

Many growers do not want the plant to “rest” and try to grow it even during winter. If you want to do that cut it down to 30 cm and store it in a cold room with a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius. In the spring, transplant it to a place where the temperature reaches about 18 degrees Celsius. At that time, the shoots should start to sprout and if they do you will be very happy. Wintering Cape daisies in flats or apartments is very hard and virtually impossible.

Grow your Cape Daisies from seeds

You do not necessarily have to grow Cape daisy from seedlings. If you sow seeds in a light and aerated substrate in March, Cape Daisy will certainly germinate and grow fine. It should take around 14 to 21 days before you see first sprouts coming out of the soil. To ensure proper environment, maintain the temperature at about 20 degrees Celsius.

Osteospermum: Photo Pixabay