African Daisy Osteospermum 'Pink Whirls'

Water

African daisies prefer even moisture and should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once every week, but it can vary based on climate and weather conditions. It is important not to overwater, as the plants do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Providing them with about 1 gallon of water per watering session should suffice for a standard outdoor garden setting. During particularly hot or windy weather, they may require more frequent watering to keep the soil consistently moist.

Light

African daisies thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform well when they are planted in a spot where they can soak up the morning sun, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun. These plants can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be reduced in less than full sun.

Temperature

African daisies prefer temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate a temporary dip down to 30°F but it's important to provide protection if temperatures are consistently dropping below this point. These plants thrive in mild climates and do not do well in extreme heat, so providing some afternoon shade can be beneficial if temperatures regularly exceed 80°F.

Pruning

Pruning African daisies is important to encourage bushiness and to promote prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. Cut back the plants by one-third in late spring or early summer to rejuvenate and encourage a fresh flush of flowers. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The African Daisy 'Pink Whirls' thrives in well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, enhanced with organic matter like compost. The ideal soil pH for African Daisies should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. A balanced soil mix can be created with two parts potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost to provide the necessary drainage and nutrition.

Repotting

African Daisies 'Pink Whirls' should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. However, as a garden plant, it might not require repotting if planted in the ground, unless it outgrows its space or shows signs of nutrient deficiency.

Humidity & Misting

African Daisies 'Pink Whirls' do well in average to low humidity conditions. They are drought-tolerant and prefer drier environments, which makes them suitable for outdoor gardens in most climates where there's no excessive humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place African Daisy 'Pink Whirls' near a window for direct sunlight.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The African Daisy 'Pink Whirls' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring or early summer, under warm conditions in well-drained soil. After germination, a seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a rosette of leaves close to the soil. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and begins to produce its distinct spoon-shaped leaves along with branching stems. The plant reaches the flowering stage, showcasing its unusual bi-colored pink petals that often feature a whirl or spoon effect, which is most prolific during the warmer months. Pollination occurs through the attraction of insects, leading to the production of seeds. After flowering, if the environmental conditions are not ideal for seed survival or the plant is an annual, it may die back, but in some cases, as with perennials, it enters a period of dormancy to survive through cooler seasons until the next growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Osteospermum 'Pink Whirls', commonly known as African Daisy, is best propagated in the spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for African Daisy is through cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem that is about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) long and cut it just below a leaf joint. The lower leaves of the cutting are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone to foster root development. The prepared cutting is placed in a moist soilless potting mix or perlite, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface where roots can form. The cuttings should then be kept in a warm location with indirect sunlight and high humidity, like under a plastic dome or inside a mini-greenhouse, to encourage rooting without the soil becoming waterlogged. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new African Daisy plant can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.