Have you ever wondered what those daisy-like flowers are with the creamy yellow petals and sunburst purple center? They exude cheerfulness every time you see them in a garden. Well, you are in for a treat today because we are talking about the beautiful African daisy.
These plants are from the daisy family, and the flowers sport bright colors. The orange and pink flowers with multi-colored centers are a favorite. The good news is in this article, you will learn about the plant called African daisy, and gain some useful details about African daisy care.
The scientific name for the African daisy is Osteospermum spp. One of the most popular Proven Winners of the Osteospermum hybrid is Bright Lights, which features yellow, pink, or purple flowers close together on the plant. To have them year-round depends on your climate because these plants do not tolerate frost. What’s great is they prefer full sun, are heat and drought-tolerant, and aren’t prone to diseases and pest infestations compared to other annuals.
Get ready to take notes while you read this growing guide – you’ll find plenty of plant information about how to care for African daisies. And once you realize how easy they are to propagate, you’ll be ready to grow them in your own garden.
The bright cheery blooms of African daisy (Osteospermum) bring a pop of vibrant color to gardens. However you may notice those normally flat, lush leaves start to curl under, sending up a red flag. Don’t dismay – with some detective work, you can get to the root cause and restore the health of your African daisies. Let’s explore the common culprits behind curled leaves, and more importantly, how to fix the issue.
Sunburn Seared Leaves
Too much unrelenting sun is a prime suspect when African daisy leaves curl. Think of it as a sunburn – those leaves are desperate to protect themselves from the intense rays They roll inward in an attempt to conserve moisture and minimize exposure It’s the plant version of seeking shade under a beach umbrella!
Along with curled leaves, look for other telltale signs of sun stress like crispy leaf edges, faded color, or leaves and flowers appearing dried out and fried. If left unchecked, prolonged sun damage can even scorch flowers and threaten the entire plant.
Providing Protective Shade
The treatment plan involves giving your sun-weary African daisies some shade TLC. First, relocate pots to a spot receiving morning sun and afternoon shade. Dappled light filtering through a sheer curtain can also offer a nurturing respite. If moving the plant isn’t possible, improvise shade with screens or shade cloth to diffuse the harshest sunlight. The goal is to provide bright but indirect light, not full blazing sun. Monitor the light throughout the day and adjust as needed.
Dehydration from Underwatering
When soil dries out too much between waterings, African daisy’s leaves respond by curling up in an effort to minimize moisture loss. Leaf edges turn brown and the whole plant takes on a drooping, wilted appearance. Sometimes lower leaves turn yellow or drop off completely. It’s the plant equivalent of desperate thirst.
Check soil moisture by plunging your finger into the pot. If the top inch is bone dry, it’s clear your plant is crying out for water. Deeply water until it drains from the bottom, taking care not to oversaturate. For pots, choose ones with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. In ground, improve water retention with mulch. Adjust watering frequency for weather, watering more often during hot, dry spells.
Root Rot from Too Much Water
Overwatering has the opposite but equally detrimental effect, causing swollen, mushy leaves and curled tips. With roots drowned in excess water, they are unable to properly uptake moisture and nutrients. Rotting roots turn brown and slimy – essentially suffocating the plant. Fungal diseases like root rot thrive in the excess moisture, further harming the plant.
Boost drainage by amending soil with perlite or small rocks. Use pots with multiple drainage holes. Allow soil to partly dry before rewatering. Pour slowly at the base to avoid wet foliage. Remove any dead roots and repot plants in fresh, dry soil to recover from rot.
Lack of Nutrients
African daisies need a regular nutritional boost to stay happy and healthy. Depleted soils or inadequate fertilizer can starve plants of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. This deficiency stress shows up as curled, discolored, or distorted new leaves and stunted plants.
Remedy nutrition issues with a balanced fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. Follow label instructions carefully to avoid burn. In ground, mix in compost annually before planting. Container plants need more frequent feeding – every 2-4 weeks in growing season with a reduced winter schedule. Soil tests help identify specific deficiencies.
Pests Causing havoc
Don’t dismiss curled African daisy leaves as a watering issue before checking for pesky critters! Spider mites, aphids, thrips and whiteflies are common culprits that pierce and suck foliage, causing curling, stippling, spots and wilting. Fungal diseases alsodamage leaves and cause curling and dark spots.
Act swiftly when pests are detected! Start by spraying off with a strong stream of water. Follow up by using insecticidal soap or neem oil to deter pests without harming beneficials. For severe infestations, targeted organic pesticides may be needed. Improve air flow and promptly remove diseased material to manage fungi. Healthy, vigorous plants better withstand pest onslaughts.
Poor Soil Composition
African daisies thrive in well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Dense, heavy soils prevent proper aeration and drainage leading to root damage. Plants respond by curling leaves and becoming stunted. Repotting in unimproved native soils often causes issues.
Fix problem soils by mixing in equal parts compost and perlite or coarse sand to lighten the texture. Top dress annually with compost. Avoid soilless mixes for in ground plants. Check drainage by pouring water into the pot – it should quickly run out bottom. Container plants may need repotting into an airier potting mix.
Root Bound Plants
Cramped, congested roots unable to spread outward also cause leaf curling. As African daisies outgrow their containers, circling roots struggle to take up water and nutrients. The lack of resources shows up as leaf stress. Plants may become top heavy and tip over.
Carefully remove the root ball and gently loosen circling outer roots before repotting into a larger container. Choose a pot one size bigger, with drainage holes and fresh potting mix amended with compost. Prune away any diseased roots before repotting. Give newly repotted plants time to recover before resuming fertilizing.
While frustrating, curled leaves give important clues into cultural issues needing attention. With some adjustments to care, lighting and watering, you can get your African daisies back to their happy, floriferous selves! Pay attention to their cues and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant flowers and healthy foliage for years to come.
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All About African Daisies
African Daisies go by other names such as Cape daisy, blue-eyed daisy, and South African daisy. The botanical name, also called the scientific name, is Osteospermum spp. As the name suggests, they are native to South Africa, thus are drought and heat tolerant once established. They grow best in USDA zones 10-11 as tender perennials. These plants grow the same as other annuals in zones that receive frost – the variety also determines if the plant is an annual or perennial. The African daisy was discovered in the 19th century and quickly became popular in other areas of the world.
The native flower species have white petals with a blue center surrounding the yellow disc. However, you will find hybrids that feature a variety of flower hues, from pink to yellow or even white. Leaves are oval or lance-shaped and gray-green with smooth edges near the top and serrated edges towards the bottom of the plant. The flowers grow on a straight stem and sit above the foliage.
There are many stems and flowers blooming at one time on this erect plant. The spoon-shaped flowers have a buttery yellow center surrounded by many thin petals to form a rosette, some varieties even showcase semi-double flowers. Blooms can range in size from 2 to 4 inches across, depending on the cultivar. African daisies grow fast and begin blooming in early summer and continue to bloom until late summer into early fall.
Compared to other plants, African daisies are one of the easiest flowering plants to grow in the garden. Once established, you’ll enjoy their beautiful blooms all summer long. This next section discusses planting instructions and care for African daisies.
Plant your African daisies in full sun after the last frost for the best results. They will tolerate light shade but may not bloom as often. Extreme heat is not ideal and will stress them out – you can grow other plants next to them to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Their ideal USDA growing zone is 10-11, but you can grow them in other zones as annual plants because they are sensitive to frost.
The ideal temperature range is from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They will not survive below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in colder climates, you can take cuttings from your plant at the end of the growing season to propagate new plants for the next growing season.
The best time of day to water your African daisy plants is first thing in the morning. Water regularly until the plant is established, but only to keep the soil evenly moist. Once established, water 1-2 inches per week. These plants are drought tolerant, so they dislike being over-watered. Water at the base of the plant and try not to splash soil onto the stem or leaves to prevent fungal spores from being introduced. Most African daisies can tolerate some humidity as long as they have good air circulation.
African daisies thrive in well-drained garden soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5-5.5. Organic matter such as compost is great to add to the soil when you plant to increase drainage. Soggy soil encourages fungal diseases to attack. Many African daisy varieties will tolerate dry or poor soil, but you’ll get bushier growth with nutrient-rich soil.
Add organic matter when you plant African daisies in your garden, and you won’t need to fertilize until mid-summer. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer and take care not to apply too much nitrogen, as this will encourage bushier growth that will produce fewer flowers. Fertilize regularly through the growing season to enjoy larger flowers. Fertilize for the last time in early fall and begin again in late spring if you live in a mild climate that supports them year-round.
For the best African daisy care and to encourage an abundance of beautiful flowers, deadhead the spent flower buds. This will encourage reblooming into late summer. Cut back your plant in early fall to allow it to go dormant for the mild winter. Also, if your plants become leggy, give them a trim to shape the plant and encourage growth.
There are two methods for propagating African daisy plants. The first method is by seeds – don’t save seeds from previous plants since most are hybrids, and they won’t grow true. Sow outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Place seeds 10 inches apart and lightly cover them with soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. You can start them indoors, but it stresses them being transplanted when young. However, if you sow them in our Epic 4-cells, you’ll have fewer problems with transplant shock.
You can also begin new plants by taking cuttings from existing plants. Prepare small containers with seed starting mixture and slightly moisten. Cut healthy stems that have at least 3 to 4 leaves. Pinch off the flower bud if present and remove lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dip the end (make sure to get the exposed nodes) in rooting hormone and gently push the stem into the prepared container. Keep the cuttings warm at 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Place them in a bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy until they root in 3 to 4 weeks.
Troubleshooting African Daisy Plants
Luckily, you won’t encounter too many growing problems or have to deal with many pests and diseases when growing African daisies. However, this next section will help troubleshoot any problems you may experience.
What Causes Leaf Curl? – The Garden Sage 10
FAQ
Why are my daisy leaves curling?
How do you fix curling leaves on plants?
How often should I water African daisies?
Do curling leaves mean too much water?
Are trailing African daisies pest-resistant?
Trailing African Daisies are relatively pest-resistant, but they can be affected by a few common issues: Aphids: These tiny pests can be found on the undersides of leaves and on new growth. They feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and distort.
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:
Do African daisies rebloom?
Also, deadhead the flowers (remove the spent blooms) to encourage reblooming. African daisies bloom best in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade, but this will likely cause them to produce fewer flowers. The blooms generally open in response to light and close at night and during overcast weather.
How do you propagate African daisies?
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.