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 (Osteospermum spp.) are stunning flowers that come in a variety of bright colors like purple, pink, yellow, orange and white. With their eye-catching blooms, these beauties can really brighten up any garden. But getting the most out of your African daisies requires proper care, especially when it comes to fertilization. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fertilizing your African daisy to keep it thriving all season long.
When to Fertilize African Daisies
Fertilizing your African daisies at the right times is key to keeping them healthy and promoting prolific blooms. Here are the best times to feed your African daisies:
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Spring – Fertilize African daisies in early spring, when new growth first emerges after winter dormancy. This will provide nutrients to support vigorous growth and flowering
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Summer – Fertilize every 2-3 weeks throughout the active growing season of summer This will fuel steady growth and blooms
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Fall – Apply one last fertilizer application in early fall, about a month before your first expected frost date. This will help prepare plants for winter.
Avoid fertilizing during the heat of summer or after late summer, as growth has slowed. Focus fertilizer applications during the main growing periods of spring through early fall.
How Often to Fertilize African Daisies
When it comes to fertilizer frequency, African daisies are heavy feeders. Here are some general guidelines:
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Garden plants – Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season.
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Potted plants – Feed weekly or biweekly, as containers provide less access to nutrients.
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New plants – Fertilize at planting time to get young plants off to a good start.
Adjust frequency based on your climate and the plant’s growth rate. Provide more frequent feeds in hot climates where plants grow rapidly. Reduce frequency in cooler areas or if growth seems excessive.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use
When shopping for fertilizer, look for a balanced formula that has higher levels of phosphorus to fuel blooms. Some good options include:
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Bloom booster – Formulas like 10-30-20 provide extra phosphorus.
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Balanced fertilizer – Options like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 work well.
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Slow-release – Granular fertilizers can provide a steady nutrient supply.
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Liquid feeds – These dissolve quickly for fast nutrient uptake.
Avoid overapplying high nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause lanky, weak growth. A balanced formula is ideal for healthy African daisies.
How to Fertilize African Daisies
Proper application technique is important to avoid fertilizer burn. Here are some tips:
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Granular – Sprinkle evenly around drip line and water in well.
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Liquid – Dilute to half strength and apply to soil around drip line.
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New plants – Mix granular fertilizer into soil at planting.
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Potted plants – Apply liquid fertilizer with regular waterings.
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Follow instructions – Never exceed label rates as burn can occur.
Applying smaller doses more frequently is better than heavy applications that can damage roots or leaves. Check soil moisture and water as needed after feeding.
Troubleshooting Fertilizer Issues
Sometimes despite your best efforts, you may encounter some fertilizer-related problems. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
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Burned leaves/roots – Flush soil, apply compost, and reduce fertilizer strength.
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Few/no blooms – Increase phosphorus levels and frequency of feedings.
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Lanky growth – Cut back on high nitrogen fertilizer and increase sun exposure.
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Salt buildup – Flush soil every few weeks to prevent excess nutrient accumulation.
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Underfeeding – Boost fertilizer strength or frequency if plants are stunted.
Pay close attention to how your plants respond and adjust your fertilizing regimen accordingly. With the proper feeding schedule, your African daisies will thrive.
Fertilizing Tips for Newly Planted Daisies
Getting your new African daisy transplants off to a good start requires extra care when fertilizing. Here are some tips:
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Water transplants thoroughly the day before planting to reduce transplant shock.
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or organic material before planting.
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Gently loosen and spread out the root ball when transplanting.
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Water newly planted daisies immediately after transplanting.
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Apply starter fertilizer according to label directions to support establishment.
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Provide partial shade the first week after transplanting.
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Avoid fertilizing again for 2-3 weeks after planting to prevent burn.
With proper transplanting and initial fertilizing, your African daisies will establish a healthy root system and show vigorous growth.
The Best Soil for African Daisies
Providing the right soil environment is just as important as fertilization when growing African daisies. Here are some tips for creating optimal soil:
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African daisies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Test soil pH and amend if needed.
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Improve drainage by incorporating compost, peat moss or perlite into heavy soils.
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Maintain even moisture – not too dry or soggy. Add water-retentive amendments if needed.
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Opt for porous, loamy soils vs. dense clay soils to prevent oversaturation.
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Use a quality potting mix for container-grown plants to ensure good drainage.
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Increase sun exposure if soils are too rich, causing lanky growth.
Taking some time to prepare and amend the soil will provide the ideal foundation for a healthy, thriving African daisy.
##Ideal Growing Conditions
In addition to optimal soil and regular fertilization, African daisies thrive under these ideal growing conditions:
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Sunlight – Grow in a site with full sun to maximize blooms. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is best.
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Temperature – Prefer consistently warm weather between 60-70°F. Protect from frost.
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Water – Keep soil moist but not saturated. Allow to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Soil – Plant in organically rich, moderately acidic, well-draining soil.
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Fertilizer – Use a balanced formula, focusing on phosphorus. Feed every 2-3 weeks.
Providing the right care makes growing vibrant, floriferous African daisies a breeze. Just be sure to feed them regularly and you’ll be rewarded with bright, beautiful blooms.
Common Problems With African Daisies
When growing African daisies, you may encounter some occasional issues. Here are some common problems and how to remedy them:
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Few blooms – This can be caused by inadequate sunlight, overfertilizing with nitrogen, or insufficient phosphorus. Increase sunlight, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, and use bloom-boosting fertilizer.
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Sparse foliage – This may indicate insufficient fertilizer. Increase frequency and concentration of balanced fertilizer applications.
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Wilting – Excessive wilting can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or root rot. Adjust watering practices and allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Leggy growth – Overly rich soil, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, and inadequate sunlight can cause leggy growth. Reduce nitrogen, increase sunlight, and cut back on watering.
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Pests – Aphids, slugs, snails, and whiteflies may attack plants. Use appropriate pest control measures.
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Diseases – Root rot, blights, and mildew may occur in wet conditions. Improve drainage and airflow while using fungicides as needed.
With proper care, African daisies are relatively problem-free plants. But adjusting growing conditions and troubleshooting issues promptly will keep your plants healthy.
FAQs About Fertilizing African Daisies
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about fertilizing African daisies:
How much fertilizer should I give my African daisy?
Use a balanced fertilizer and apply at 1/2 to 1 full strength, following label directions. Excessive amounts can burn plants. Potted plants may need more frequent feeding at diluted strength.
Should I stop fertilizing African daisies in summer?
Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks until about 1 month before your first expected fall frost. Avoid fertilizing during peak summer heat or in late fall/winter when plants are dormant.
Is compost tea good for African daisies?
Compost tea provides beneficial microbes and nutrients. Brew a mild compost tea diluted to 25% strength and apply every 2-4 weeks as a supplement to regular fertilizing. Don’t excee
Types of African Daisy
There are dozens of African daisy species and varieties, including:
- Osteospermum Passion Mix: This compact plant reaches around a foot tall and comes in a variety of colors (pink, purple, rose, and white), all with blue centers. This is an easy variety to grow from seed and is known for its heat tolerance.
- Osteospermum 4D: Known for their fluffy, tufted centers, these flowers remain open all day even in hot weather. The plants grow up to 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum FlowerPower Spider White: These blooms have odd, spoon-shaped, white and lavender petals with a gold center. The plants grow roughly 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum Lemon Symphony: This plants butter-yellow petals have a purple center and orange eye. This variety grows about 14 inches tall.
- Osteospermum Pink Sugar: Pink and orange petals that go into a gold center. This variety grows about 10 inches tall.
- Osteospermum Ravers Hearts and Tarts: This variety has orange and pink flowers, It grows roughly about 12 inches tall.
- Osteospermum Sideshow Copper Apricot: This variety has striking pale apricot flowers with a purple center disk. It grows up to 12 inches tall.
- Osteospermum Soprano White: The blooms on this plant are white with a blue center that is bordered by purple and yellow. It grows up to 14 inches tall.
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African Daisy Care
African daisies work equally well in the ground or in containers. Blooms peak in late spring to early summer, and again in late summer to early fall. Because African daisies stop blooming during hot spells, they are best grown in combination with other plants that will have visual interest in the peak of summer.
Since they are perennials, African daisies will come back every year within their hardiness zones. In colder areas, before the first frost, take cuttings to propagate new plants indoors through the winter.
These flowers are fairly low-maintenance when grown in an environment they like. Make sure they have lots of sun and soil with good drainage. Plan to water and fertilize regularly throughout the growing season (spring to fall). Also, deadhead the flowers (remove the spent blooms) to encourage reblooming.