Watering African Daisies: Master These Tips for a Garden Full of Blooms
The daisy family (Asteraceae or Asteraceae) contains more than 20,000 species, and many different kinds are called African daisies. These include osteospermum, African daisy, Dimorphotheca, and others. The various African daisies may differ in color and name, but they all need regular watering to survive.
How to Water
How often you need to water African daisies depends on several factors, including the stage of plant growth. Newly planted African daisy seeds must be kept moist for the first week to 10 days to promote germination, which requires 0.6 cm of water per day. African daisies transplanted into the landscape need watering every two to three days for the first 14 days after planting, twice a week for the next 14 days, and then once a week thereafter.
How Much Water Is Needed
African daisies should be watered when the soil 5 cm to 10 cm from the top has dried out. Use a hand trowel to dig to this depth near the plant. However, to water the plants thoroughly, the soil around them should stay moist to a depth of at least 15 cm. A common rule for watering most plants is to supply 2.5 cm to 5 cm of water per week. This includes both watering and rainfall.
When to Water
The best time to water African daisies is early morning, when temperatures are lower and winds are lighter, because at this time there are fewer factors causing water to evaporate. If you cannot water the plants in the morning, it is best to water them in the late afternoon instead. Many gardeners install various sprinklers or water hoses to water African daisies, which is an adequate watering method to replace hand watering.
How to Retain Moisture
Other factors affecting how much water African daisies need are soil type and temperature. Before planting African daisies, amend the soil with a few centimeters of organic matter (such as compost, peat moss, and fertilizer), which will improve the soil's water-holding capacity. This is especially important for dry, sandy soil. Adding a thick layer of mulch around planted African daisies can lower soil temperature and help retain moisture.