Cape daisy, also known as osteospermum, is a colorful flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It features daisy-like flowers in various vibrant colors, such as purple, pink, white, and yellow. The flowers have a contrasting dark center and petals that can be single or double. Cape daisies are popular for their long blooming season and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Origin: Cape daisies are native to South Africa.
Usage: Cape daisies are commonly grown in gardens, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They add a cheerful touch to any landscape and can be used for cut flower arrangements.

 

HOW TO GROW

General requirements: Cape daisies require a sunny location and well-drained soil to thrive. Here are some key points to consider when growing Cape daisies:
Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Adequate sunlight ensures healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Soil: Cape daisies prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter or compost to improve drainage. If your soil is sandy, enrich it with organic matter to enhance moisture retention.
Watering: Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization: Feed Cape daisies with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper dilution and application.
Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, remove faded flowers by pinching them off or cutting them back to the base. Deadheading redirects energy into producing new blooms.
Pruning: After the blooming season, you can lightly prune the plants to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems, ensuring you leave some healthy foliage.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent stem rot.

 

IN THE GARDEN:

Planting: Start Cape daisy seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or purchase young seedlings from a nursery. Transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to provide adequate air circulation.
Watering: Water the newly planted seedlings thoroughly and continue to water regularly until they establish a strong root system. Afterward, water deeply but less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Winter care: In regions with cold winters, Cape daisies are often treated as annuals. If you want to overwinter them, provide frost protection by covering the plants with a layer of mulch or using frost blankets. In warmer climates, Cape daisies can be perennial and will continue to bloom year after year.

 

IN CONTAINERS:

Container selection: Choose a container with drainage holes that is at least 10-12 inches deep. Ensure it is large enough to accommodate the growth of the plant.
Potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for container gardening. You can add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Watering and fertilization: Container-grown Cape daisies may require more frequent watering than those in the ground. Monitor the moisture level of the potting mix and water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, following the package instructions for dilution rates.
Sun exposure: Place the container in a sunny location where the plants can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.
Pinching and deadheading: Pinch back the growing tips of the plants when they reach about 6 inches in height. This will encourage branching and result in a fuller plant. Regularly remove faded flowers by pinching or cutting them off to promote continuous blooming.
Overwintering: If you live in a region with frosty winters, Cape daisies can be brought indoors as houseplants or treated as annuals. Before the first frost, you can take cuttings from the plants and root them in water or a well-draining potting mix to propagate new plants for the next season.

 

HARVESTING:

Cape daisies are primarily grown for their ornamental value and are not typically harvested for consumption. However, you can cut the flowers for floral arrangements or enjoy them as cut flowers in vases. Harvest the flowers in the morning or evening when they are fully open for the best display.

 

FAST FACTS:

• Common name: Cape daisy, African daisy, Osteospermum
• Latin name: Osteospermum spp.
• Growth habit: Herbaceous perennial (can be treated as an annual in colder regions)
• Flower colors: Purple, pink, white, yellow, etc.
• Bloom time: Spring to fall
• USDA Zones: 9-11 (perennial); can be grown as an annual in colder zones
• Height: Varies depending on the cultivar, typically 12-24 inches tall