African Daisy is an easy-to-grow annual flower with about 50 varieties. It is native to South Africa. The plant grows quickly. Growing African Daisies will reward you with the first blooms in just 50 to 60 days. Soft colors include white, orange, yellow, and apricot.
These flowers look great in containers and pots on your patio or deck. But make sure to place the container in a sunny location. In the flower garden, place them towards the front.
Other Names: African Daisies have lots of names. They include Cape Marigold, Star-of-the-Veldt, Dimorphotheca, Barberton Daisy, Blue Eyed Daisy, Veldt Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, Gerber Daisy
Annual, Dimorphotheca
Plant height: 12″ – 18″
African Daisies are grown from seeds. Directly sow seeds into your flower garden after all risk of frost has passed. Or start plants indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow African Daisy seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8″ of fine garden or potting soil.
The ideal plant spacing is 10″ apart. The plants will tolerate a little crowding.
Days to Germination: 10 – 20
Flowers Bloom: Spring to Fall
Growing African daisies is easy. Grow them in full sun. The plants tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer blooms and the plants may become spindly.
The plants grow well in sandy, loam, light, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, not wet. Add a general-purpose fertilizer when planting, then once a month after that.
Apply water regularly. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as these plants are susceptible to fungal disease.
Weed frequently early in the season. Apply mulch to keep the weeds down.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooms.
The plants are good re-seeders. Plant them where they can drop their seeds and grow undisturbed for years.
Days to Bloom: 50 – 60 days
Deadhead spent flowers to produce a continuous bloom into the Fall months.
Ideal Soil pH: 5.0 – 5.5.
Also, See:
Plant Problems – causes and cures
Aphids can be a problem. Apply insecticides or repellents.
African Daisy plants can get fungal diseases. Keep leaves and stems dry. Apply fungicides as needed.
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