African daisies ( Arctotis ) are felicitous flowering annuals . They lend perk and smile to any gay garden emplacement . The flowers produce and unload seminal fluid that allow for new growth the adopt year in some warmer region . And , it is grown as a attendant perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness zone 8 through 11 . This easy - go plant is drought large-minded , and it can even take a second of hoar .
African daisies originated in South Africa where they turn wild and abundant . Original African daisies only opened their bloom in the full sunlight . They would close when it was suspicious or dark . cultivator in Europe and in the United States decide they wanted to see more of this pretty flower ’s face .
They developed cultivar that continue open for longer menstruum in the daytime . The foliage is silvery and soft , like Lamb ’s ear . The peak tramp in color from cool tweed and violets to the warmer spook of pinkish , red , orangish , and jaundiced .
How to Grow and Care for African Daisies
African daisies are loose to grow . They like raft of sun and honorable zephyr circulation . They do n’t care for cockeyed feet . So , select a sunny location with well enfeeble dirt , and your African daisies will be felicitous . They have a reputation for “ thriving on neglect . ” So , do n’t concern too much about these hombre once they are established in your garden .
To constitute , begin indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost of the season . Once the frost has passed , imbed your transplants outdoors , or sow your African daisy seeds like a shot in the garden . Water well until the young works is well established . Then , water regularly , but do n’t overwater .
Expect your African daisy to grow to between 1 and 2 foot tall . tolerate this plant plenty of breathing elbow room . Space your plants 6 inches to 1 foot aside . To encourage your plant to bloom from previous spring well into the fall , cut the flush and habituate them in a vase . Deadhead those that you do n’t snip off to savor indoors .
Allow the cum to dry on the plants , and at the end of the grow time of year , reap your seeds directly from the flower point . unobjectionable your African daisy seed by sifting them through mesh to split up the chaff from the germ before you store the seeds . This stride will help to preclude fungus from bankrupt the seeds for the next planting .
Pests and Problems for African Daisies
African daisies are hearty plants . They can endure a wide multifariousness of develop conditions . However , they are prone to fungal diseases . Lots of sun and good air circulation are important for this plant ’s health , particularly in humid climates .
African daisies are also vulnerable to aphids . Since African daisies be given be annual flowers , the undecomposed way to protect against aphids is to plant a few marigolds alongside your daisy . The marigolds are yearly too , and they will act as a repellent to the aphids . The marigold will stand guard and protect your African daisies throughout the growing season .
African Daisy Varieties to Try
‘ African Blue Eyed Daisy ’ is a adorable cultivar that grow on a strong root . It is a great choice for cut flower . This is an medium sized African daisy works that grows about 20 inch tall and 24 inches extensive .
‘ Harlequin Mix ’ is a bright admixture of yellows and albumen with broad 3 to 4 inch blooms and wide centers . In spite of the turgid blooms , this is a dainty variety . At 15 inches grandiloquent and 18 inches wide , this is a indicate choice for a container plant .
Want to learn more about growing African Daisies?
Do n’t miss these imagination : African Daisy turn Guidefrom Cornell UniversitySuccess with Vegetative Osteospermumfrom NC State University Commercial Floriculture Extension & Research
