African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even members of the Asteraceae family, along with Shasta daisies and zinnias.
But, their vivid coloring is not at all like the classic daisy. African daisies come in a variety of stunning shades including white, cream, pink, yellow, purple, and blue.
These flowers are best planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, usually at around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. While African daisies can survive a surprise frost, they cannot tolerate repeated frosts.
African daisies have a fairly quick growth rate, blooming about two months after sprouting from seeds. Reliably hardy in zones 10 to 11, these tender perennials are planted as annuals in other climate zones. On average, African daises live 2 to 3 years as perennials.
African daisies are a colorful and rewarding flower to grow indoors With their bright colors ranging from white, pink, orange, yellow, purple and more, these beauties can truly liven up any indoor space. Though not the easiest plant to grow indoors, with the right care and conditions, you can have stunning African daisies blooming inside your home
An Overview of African Daisies
African daisies also known as osteospermums originate from South Africa. They are a tender perennial flower that thrives in warm climates. In zones 10-11 they can be grown as perennials, but in cooler zones they must be grown as annuals. With over 50 different species, African daisies come in a wide array of colors and sizes. Some popular varieties include
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Passion Mix – A compact plant growing to around 1 foot tall. Comes in pink, purple, rose and white colors all featuring blue centers.
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4D – Known for their fluffy, tufted centers, these daisies stay open all day even in hot temps. They grow up to 14 inches tall.
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Spider White – Unique spoon-shaped white and lavender petals with gold centers. Grow to around 14 inches.
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Lemon Symphony – Butter yellow petals with purple centers and orange eyes. Grows approximately 14 inches tall.
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Pink Sugar – Pink and orange petals fading into gold centers. About 10 inches tall.
When cared for properly, African daisies will reward you with nonstop blooms from early spring through the first frosts of fall. The key is replicating their ideal growing conditions inside your home.
Caring For African Daisies Indoors
African daisies require specific conditions to thrive indoors. While they are relatively low maintenance plants, pay close attention to the following care guidelines for best results:
Lighting
Bright light is essential for abundant blooms. Place your African daisies in a south or west facing window where they will get at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Rotate the plants occasionally so all sides get adequate light exposure. You can also supplement natural light with grow lights.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures of 65-75°F are ideal. At night, temps should remain above 55°F. Keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents which can damage them.
Watering
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Soil
African daisies need a well-draining potting mix, so amend regular potting soil with perlite or pumice to improve drainage. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0-7.0.
Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for abundant blooms. Start at half strength and gradually increase to the full dosage over time.
Humidity
Increase humidity around your daisies by placing pots on a pebble tray filled with water. Misting the leaves daily also helps boost moisture levels.
Pruning
Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushy growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Shear plants back by a third in late summer to prepare them for overwintering.
How to Start African Daisies From Seeds
Starting African daisies from seed indoors is an inexpensive way to get lots of plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Fill starter trays with a sterile, soilless seed starting mix. Moisten the mix before planting.
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Sow seeds on the surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of vermiculite.
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Place trays in a warm, bright area to germinate. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
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Seeds will sprout in 7-14 days when kept at 70-75°F.
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Once sprouted, move to a sunny window or under grow lights. Maintain warm temps and even moisture levels.
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Transplant seedlings to larger pots once the second set of true leaves appear. Harden off for 1-2 weeks before moving outdoors.
For quicker blooms, start seeds 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. You can also find young nursery-grown plants at garden centers in early spring.
Overwintering Your African Daisies
In zones 9 and below, African daisies must be overwintered indoors and replanted outside the following season. Here are some tips for overwintering:
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Take cuttings in late summer to propagate new plants for next year. Root cuttings in sterile soilless mix.
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Prune plants by 1/3 and repot into fresh soil before bringing indoors.
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Place in a sunny window and maintain temps above 55°F. Reduce watering to allow soil to dry out between waterings. Discontinue fertilizing.
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In early spring, prune back any dead growth. Transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
African daisies are not immune to problems, but issues can be minimized by providing optimal care. Some potential issues include:
Leggy growth – Increase light levels and pinch back stems to encourage bushy growth.
Few blooms – Fertilize regularly and move plants to a sunnier location. Deadhead spent blooms to promote reflowering.
Leaf spots/discoloration – Usually a sign of fungal disease. Improve air circulation and reduce watering. Apply fungicide if needed.
Wilting – Check for root rot and reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh soil if needed.
Pests – Inspect for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Enjoying Years of African Daisy Blooms
When provided with bright light, moderate temperatures, even moisture and proper pruning, African daisies will thrive indoors for years to come. Their cheery blooms will give you a taste of the tropics no matter where you live. With a spectrum of colors to choose from, you can mix and match varieties for a custom indoor garden that’s truly one of a kind.
Propagating African Daisies
Most African daisy varieties are hybrids and wont grow true from seeds saved from the plants. But you can easily propagate your plants by cuttings. This is also the best way to overwinter the plant outside of its hardiness zones. Here’s how to propagate African daisies:
- Fill a shallow tray with a sterile seed-starting mixture and dampen the mix slightly.
- Use sharp bypass pruners to take plant cuttings with two sets of leaf nodes or more, trimming 2 to 3 inches. Pinch off any flower buds present, and remove the lower leaves.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and then plant the cut end in the seed-starting mix.
- Cover the tray with a plastic dome, and place it somewhere with bright indirect light and temperatures between 60°F and 68°F.
- In four to six weeks, the plants should be sufficiently rooted to transplant to individual containers filled with potting mix or to an outdoor garden location.
Temperature and Humidity
African daisies prefer mild weather, which is when they bloom most profusely. They can handle nighttime temperatures down to about 40°F, though frost will damage or kill them. Humidity typically isnt an issue for them, as long as they have good air circulation, proper watering, and soil drainage.
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FAQ
Can you grow African daisies indoors?
Do African daisies grow well in pots?
Where is the best place to plant African daisy?
How do I plant African daisies?
Choose a location in your garden that meets the following criteria: Sunlight: African daisies prefer full sun. Ensure that the planting site receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. Soil: Plant African daisies in well-draining soil.
Do African daisies grow well in containers?
Bill Holt. African daisies work well in containers and borders. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. When deciding where to plant African daisy, remember its flowers close up at night. Blooms sometimes don’t fully open when it’s overcast or during bad weather.
Do African daisies need a lot of water?
African daisies can be planted in the springtime, after the last frost. Although somewhat drought-tolerant once established, African daisies still need at least 1 inch of water per week to grow their best. During periods of drought or intense heat, the plants will slow down and go dormant. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist.
Can African daisies grow from seeds?
Most African daisy varieties are hybrids and won’t grow true from seeds saved from the plants. But you can easily propagate your plants by cuttings. This is also the best way to overwinter the plant outside of its hardiness zones. Here’s how to propagate African daisies: