African Daisy
Osteospermum ecklonis
Also called osteospermum, cape daisy
Osteospermum ecklonis, the African daisy, is an evergreen shrub with daisy flowers that have dark blue centres and white-to-indigo petals. It likes full sun and can be sown in spring at 18 °C (64 °F).
Quick facts
- Germination time
- Not yet verified
- Germination temperature
- 18 °C64 °F
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About african daisy
African daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis) is an evergreen shrub or subshrub that grows upright or spreads, reaching about 20 to 39 inches (50 to 100 cm) tall and wide. Its aromatic grey-green leaves are up to about 4 inches (10 cm) long, and its flowerheads are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) across, with dark blue centres and petals that are white on top and indigo underneath. The flowers appear through the summer. Plants take 2 to 5 years to reach maturity.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Low
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 0.5–1 m1½–3½ ft
- Spread
- 0.5–1 m1½–3½ ft
- Frost tolerance
- Half-hardy (light frost)
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Not yet verified
02 · How to grow
How to grow african daisy from seed
Sowing. Sow seed in spring at 18 °C (64 °F). You can also start new plants from softwood cuttings in late spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Site and soil. Choose a warm spot in full sun that is sheltered from cold winds, with light, moderately fertile, very well-drained soil. In frost-prone areas, take spare plants every year and keep young plants somewhere frost-free over winter.
03 · Care
Caring for african daisy
No pruning is required, but removing spent flowers will extend the flowering period.
At a glance
How african daisy compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- African Daisy
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- Germination temperatureCooler than average
18 °C64 °F
Average for flowers: 21 °C70 °F, from 40 other seeds
- HeightAbout average
0.5–1 m1½–3½ ft
Average for flowers: 70 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common african daisy problems
The plant is generally pest-free but may be attacked by aphids. It is generally disease-free but may be affected by downy mildews and Verticillium wilt.
05 · Safety
African Daisy safety
This plant is listed as harmful if eaten by pets such as rabbits and rodents. Keep it out of reach of these animals.
African Daisy questions
How do I grow African daisy from seed?
Sow the seed in spring at 18 °C (64 °F). Plants also can be started from cuttings, taken in late spring or late summer.
Can I grow African daisy in a pot?
Yes, it is listed among the patio and container plants. It needs full sun and very well-drained soil.
How tall does Osteospermum ecklonis grow?
The mature plant reaches about 20 to 39 inches (50 to 100 cm) tall and wide.
Is African daisy harmful to pets?
It is listed as harmful if eaten by rabbits and rodents.
Quick answers
More african daisy questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How much sun does african daisy need?
African daisy grows in full sun.
What temperature do african daisy seeds need to sprout?
African daisy seeds germinate at 18 °C64 °F.
Can african daisy survive frost?
Only a light frost. African daisy is half-hardy.
How much water does african daisy need?
African daisy has low water needs.
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