How to Grow Osteospermum? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods

The Osteospermum (African daisy) originates from South Africa and was only introduced to China in recent years. It is an excellent landscaping plant with very high ornamental value. When in bloom it is delicate and beautiful, and many parks and households grow Osteospermum. Let's take a look below at the planting methods for Osteospermum.

I. Growth Habits

Osteospermum likes full sun and is moderately cold-hardy, able to tolerate low temperatures of -3°C to -5°C. It is drought-tolerant and prefers loose, fertile, sandy loam soil. It performs even better in moist, well-ventilated environments. It branches strongly and does not require pinching. It blooms early and has a long flowering period; low temperatures favor flower bud formation and blooming, and in regions with a mild climate it can grow year-round.

II. Planting Methods

1. Propagation methods: Generally, propagation is done by sowing seeds or taking cuttings. For cuttings, the cuttings need to be planted in a rooting bed within 12 to 24 hours after being taken. A temperature of 20 to 23 degrees favors rooting of the cuttings; after rooting, the temperature can be lowered. In addition, rooting hormone can be dipped to stimulate earlier rooting and improve the uniformity of rooting. Sowing is generally done in spring, with a high germination rate and a relatively high survival rate.

2. Soil: Osteospermum likes fertile, loose, sandy soil. Try not to choose very poor soil for planting, as that can easily lead to failure of the Osteospermum to sprout. We need to pay special attention to this.

3. Light: We need to ensure there is sufficient sunlight in that spot. Osteospermum has a very high demand for sunlight. If there is little or basically no sunlight, then it will be very difficult for the Osteospermum to bloom.

4. Watering: We need to ensure reasonable watering. Generally, in the early stage it needs to be watered once every day, and the soil must be kept moist each time. In the later stage, it needs to be watered once every 2 days, because Osteospermum has a relatively high demand for moisture.

5. Fertilizing: Osteospermum is best fertilized once every 2 months, and choosing a compound fertilizer is sufficient. Before fertilizing, make sure to loosen the soil appropriately, as this helps the compound fertilizer be absorbed quickly, and you can water appropriately.

6. Pest and disease control: Pest problems in the later stage are common with Osteospermum. We generally need to look at the degree of pest infestation. If there are few pests, simply remove those insects. If there are many pests, then we need to spray some low-concentration pesticide to solve it.

Growing Osteospermum is fairly simple. Its flowers come in colors such as white, pink, red, purplish red, blue, and purple. After blooming, they form clusters upon clusters, very beautiful.