With its daisy-like flowers in vibrant hues of purple, pink, and yellow, Osteospermum adds a warm touch to any landscape. Osteospermum blooms abundantly and attracts pollinators making it the perfect choice for your garden oasis.
Planting Calendar
Osteospermum are best planted from spring through to autumn.
Prepare
Originating from Africa these stunning plants love the sun and hot dry summers. Each bush will display an abundance of daisy-like flowers brightening up the garden with masses of continued flowers, from early spring till the first frost
Position
Osteospermum love the sun the more the better for flowering. Plant into free draining soil in the ground or in a pot.
Soil
When planted into the ground Osteospermum prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Able to withstand short periods of dryness, but best given a good deep watering during hot periods. Avoid wetting foliage to minimise the risk of fungal disease.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect from slug and snails with slug bait.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground
Pruning
Dead head faded flowers to encourage more to grow. Cut back in spring or autumn to minimise leggy growth and to encourage regrowth.
Beginner Tip
Regular dead heading is essential for repeated flowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Osteospermum?
Osteospermum, also known as African Daisy, is a vibrant and hardy perennial plant known for its daisy-like flowers that come in various colours such as purple, pink, white, and yellow.
When is the best time to plant Osteospermum?
Plant Osteospermum in early spring after the last frost. This gives them plenty of time to establish roots and bloom throughout the warmer months.
How often should I water Osteospermum?
Able to withstand short periods of dryness, but best given a good deep watering during hot periods. Avoid wetting foliage to minimise the risk of fungal disease.
How do I propagate Osteospermum?
Osteospermum can be propagated through cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take 10-15cm cuttings from healthy plants in late summer. For seeds, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors in spring.
What type of soil is best for Osteospermum?
When planted into the ground Osteospermum prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil