African Daisy

A showy daisy with spoon-shaped petals in purple, pink, yellow, and white, blooming most heavily in cool weather. African daisies prefer moderate temperatures and may slow blooming during intense summer heat. They are excellent for containers, borders, and mass plantings in mild-winter regions.

Most popular osteospermum varieties are vegetatively propagated and must be purchased as transplants. Seed-grown varieties like the Akila series can be started indoors ten to twelve weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix, covering lightly. Seeds germinate in fourteen to twenty days at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings grow slowly and benefit from cool growing temperatures. Transplant outdoors after the last frost once nighttime temperatures stay above 40 degrees.

The Season Plate

Your African Daisy Year

Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1

Sow African Daisy Apr – May, pick May – Oct. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.

Sowing window

Apr – May

re-timed to your frost dates

Plant out

after Apr 2

once frost risk has passed

First picking

around Jun 9

≈ 55 days from sowing · 50-100 individual per plant

Composed for —ColdTemperateMildWarmUse my locationUsed once to set your season · only the zone is kept

Week-by-week African Daisy reminders watering, feeding and pruning, timed to your dates

In the app

Frost alerts for your garden a warning before a cold night costs you the crop

In the app

Succession sowing dates so the picking never gaps mid-season

In the app

Keep my dates — free for 7 daysWe nudge you as each window opens · cancel anytime

Osteospermum is typically purchased as nursery transplants in spring, as seeds are slow to establish and many popular varieties are vegetatively propagated hybrids. Plant after the last frost in full sun with well-drained soil, spacing twelve to fifteen inches apart. These South African natives perform best in cool to moderate temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and bloom most prolifically in spring and fall.

Water regularly but allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Osteospermum tolerates some drought but produces more flowers with consistent moderate moisture. Avoid overwatering and waterlogged conditions, which lead to root rot. Apply a two-inch layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during hot spells.

During peak summer heat, flowering often pauses significantly. Shear plants back by one-third in midsummer to encourage fresh growth and a strong fall rebloom when cooler temperatures return. Feed every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth periods. In mild climates zones 9 through 11, osteospermum is perennial and can form substantial spreading clumps. Pinch growing tips of young plants to encourage bushy, compact growth.

Osteospermum pairs beautifully with other cool-season performers like nemesia, diascia, and calibrachoa in spring and fall containers. The daisy flowers contrast nicely with the spiky forms of salvia and the trailing habit of lobelia. Use them in mixed borders with petunias, verbena, and ornamental grasses. Their South African origins make them natural companions for gazanias, though osteospermum prefers slightly more moisture. Excellent for coastal gardens with mild temperatures year-round.

The Society Table

Gazania belongs beside it.

Old growers' knowledge, checked against African Daisy's real companion table below — test any plant you're growing.

Grows well in the company of · 3

GazaniaPetuniaVerbena

Keep apart · 0

no recorded foes

Plant African Daisy with good neighboursThe planner flags conflicts before they're in the ground

Osteospermum thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend planting areas with compost for good fertility and drainage. Feed every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active bloom periods in spring and fall. Container plants benefit from a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the potting soil plus regular liquid feeding. Reduce fertilizer during the midsummer heat pause when plants are not actively blooming.

Ideal Temperature

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

Cut osteospermum stems for small fresh arrangements when flowers are just fully open. Harvest in the morning and place immediately in cool water. Be aware that like gazanias, some varieties close at night or on overcast days, though modern types remain open longer. Vase life is short at three to five days. Deadhead regularly throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering and prevent the plant from setting seed, which reduces bloom production.

Storage & Preservation

Osteospermum flowers are not well-suited for drying or long-term preservation. Enjoy them fresh in the garden or in short-lived bouquets. In cold climates, overwinter favorite plants by taking stem cuttings in late summer, rooting in moist perlite, and growing indoors in a bright window through winter. Potted plants can be brought indoors before frost and kept in a cool, bright location. Seeds from open-pollinated varieties can be saved when seed heads dry on the plant.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The most common frustration is the midsummer bloom pause that occurs when temperatures exceed 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Shearing plants back and resuming feeding when temperatures cool triggers a strong fall rebloom. Overwatering causes root rot, the leading cause of plant death. Some varieties close on cloudy days, which disappoints gardeners in overcast climates. Choose modern series bred for improved bloom-staying power. Leggy growth results from insufficient sunlight or overcrowding.

Growing Tips

1. Plant Osteospermum in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering performance. Plants grown in partial shade will produce fewer flowers and develop a leggy, open growth habit.
2. Use well-drained soil or potting mix, as Osteospermum is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Add perlite or coarse grit to heavy clay soils to improve drainage before planting.
3. Pinch out the growing tips of young plants when they reach 10-15 cm tall to encourage branching and create a bushier plant with more flowering stems. Repeat pinching if growth becomes leggy mid-season.
4. Deadhead spent flowers regularly by removing the entire flower stalk back to the nearest leaf joint. This prevents seed formation and redirects the plant's energy into producing new buds and flowers.
5. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Osteospermum is moderately drought-tolerant once established and prefers slightly dry conditions over constantly wet soil.
6. Feed every two weeks during the growing season with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer such as tomato feed to promote abundant flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
7. Take softwood cuttings in late summer by selecting healthy non-flowering shoots about 7-10 cm long, removing the lower leaves, and inserting them into moist cutting compost. Cuttings root readily within 3-4 weeks.
8. Protect plants from slugs and snails, especially when young. Use organic slug pellets, copper tape around containers, or beer traps to prevent damage to tender new growth and developing flower buds.
9. In regions with hot summers above 30°C, provide light afternoon shade using taller companion plants or shade cloth to prevent heat stress and maintain flowering through the warmest months.
10. Overwinter valuable cultivars by moving container plants to a frost-free greenhouse or bright windowsill before the first frost. Reduce watering and stop feeding during winter, resuming normal care in early spring.