How Far Apart African Daisies Should Be Planted?

African daisies, also known as African daisies or daisybushes, are a popular flowering plant in the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They bloom in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall. To plant African daisies in your garden, prepare the planting site by removing weeds, rocks, and debris, loosening the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm), and amending the soil with if necessary.

Osteospermum flowers, or African daisies, have the recognizable daisy shape with vibrant colored petals radiating out and around from a center disk. These popular flowers are relatively easy to grow, but there are some key secrets for excellent Osteospermum care and prolific flower production. Grow osteospermum in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil in full sun or plant in a container on a sunny patio or windowsill.

When planting African daisies in the ground, place them 12 inches (30 cm) apart from each other and any neighboring plants. If you choose to grow your osteospermum in a pot, choose one that is 12 to 14 inches (30–35 cm). Plant African daisies after the last frost date in your area, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding as they grow. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil.

To keep the soil moist, water the plant consistently and keep the soil moist until the roots are established. Plant your African daisies in fresh soil as deep as their previous container, keeping a planting distance of 30cm between seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

Start seeds indoors and expect seeds to germinate after 7 to 10 days. Set plants out after the soil warms when they are 6 weeks old or set out purchased plants. Space the plants about 20-30 cm apart to give them room to grow and spread. For containers, plant as above, using a rich, well-draining potting mix. Space the plants about 30-45cm apart, as they will spread to form attractive bushes over time.

What pairs with African Daisy?

African daisies are a versatile and visually appealing plant that can be paired with other plants to create a vibrant display. For a sun-loving display, combine them with plants like lavender or salvia, or mix them with trailing plants like petunias for a multi-dimensional display. These flowers offer aesthetic beauty, diversity, and ease of care, allowing gardeners to experiment with various gardening styles. They can be used in borders, mixed beds, and container gardens.

Their care requirements are straightforward, requiring proper soil, sunlight, and regular watering. Regular maintenance, including deadheading and pest monitoring, ensures their health and vibrant display.

What is the best fertilizer for African Daisies?

The best fertilizer for African Daisy is a mix of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (K) formulated for flowering plants. A NPK ratio of 4-10-6 or 2-6-4 supports flowering and foliage growth. Granular feeds are best for garden-planted African Daisyes. The fertilizer should be spread over the root zone and gently scratched into the soil. Container-grown plants respond better to liquid feeds, which dissolve in the soil to reach roots faster. Apply this fertilizer instead of regular watering once every 1-2 weeks.

Do daisies have deep roots?

To transplant Shasta daisies, dig around the base of the plants about four inches from the main stems, using care not to damage the roots. Remove excess soil from the clump and shake it to expose the root ball. Pull individual plants apart by grasping the base of the shoots where the roots are attached. If the clump is overgrown, cut some of the roots to separate the plants. Trim away any discolored, mushy, or brittle roots. Cut off any woody stems or dead foliage from the previous year.

Replant three to five shoots of the Shasta daisy in a new location with six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. Dig a hole about one foot deep and 10 to 12 inches in diameter, remove any rocks or roots, and add two to four cups of well-rotted manure, peat moss, or compost to the hole. Position the Shasta daisies in the hole so the crown rests at the soil level. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil and firm down with your hands to secure the plants and remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the root level and reduce water to once a week.

Shasta daisies can be transplanted in late fall or early spring when new growth appears. Spring transplanting may delay blooming slightly, but it is better to divide overgrown perennials in the spring for healthier plants. Overcast or rainy days are best for transplanting, although wet soil may cause extra mess.

Do you pinch African Daisies?

African daisies can be pruned to encourage compact growth and preserve their strength for the following season. After potting, trim the plant to three or four leaves about 1 to 2 weeks after potting. Deadheading faded flowers during the flowering period helps the plant continue forming new ones. Water the plant when its soil is completely dry, and rarely need fertilization in garden beds. This technique helps maintain the plant’s strength and maintain its health.

How much space do African daisies need?

Space African daisies at a distance of 12 inches and maintain consistent soil moisture until the roots have become established.

What is the growth rate of African daisies?

Plant the African Daisy in spring after frost has passed, as it has a fast growth rate and blooms about 2 months after planting. Space each plant at least 12 inches apart and plant in full sun and well-draining soil. Water consistently until roots are established, fertilize regularly, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Once established, water the flower with one inch of moisture per week, keeping the soil evenly moist. Be careful of overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. In extreme heat or drought conditions, the plant may slow down or even go dormant.

What pairs with African daisy?

African daisies are a versatile and visually appealing plant that can be paired with other plants to create a vibrant display. For a sun-loving display, combine them with plants like lavender or salvia, or mix them with trailing plants like petunias for a multi-dimensional display. These flowers offer aesthetic beauty, diversity, and ease of care, allowing gardeners to experiment with various gardening styles. They can be used in borders, mixed beds, and container gardens.

Their care requirements are straightforward, requiring proper soil, sunlight, and regular watering. Regular maintenance, including deadheading and pest monitoring, ensures their health and vibrant display.

Do daisies like full sun or shade?

Daisies are sun-loving plants that thrive in full sun for best blooms all season long. They can be easily grown from seed, root division, or purchased from local nursery. They are also great to separate at the root ball for sharing with friends and neighbors. To grow from seed, plant seeds in early spring, about 1/8 inch deep in the soil. They germinate in 10-20 days and bloom the following year after one season’s growth. To plant rooted plants, dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot and place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is flush with the soil surface.

How much do daisies spread?

The Shasta daisy plant has the potential to reach a width and height of 3-4 feet, with the capacity to spread underground via rhizomes. Division and transplantation can be performed every other year, but the plants require a sufficient period of time to establish a robust root system in order to survive the winter. The plants are relatively simple to cultivate and maintain. Their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers offer a cheerful visual presence throughout the year, while their summer blooms are a particularly welcome sight.

Do African daisy spread?

African daisies, also known as Osteospermum or African Daisy, are a genus of flowering plants native to South Africa. They are known for their attractive, daisy-like flowers and have a bushy, spreading growth habit with green to grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers, which resemble daisies and come in various colors, are often with a darker blue or purple center. Osteospermum typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads to a width of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), forming a mounded shape.

They do not typically become invasive but can fill in garden spaces over time. With over 50 species, there are many cultivars and hybrids available, offering a wide range of colors and flower forms for gardeners.

How far apart do you plant daisies?

It is recommended that the daisy be placed in a hole with the root ball at the same level as the soil’s surface. The optimal spacing is between one and two feet apart, as daisies are known for their rapid growth and require sufficient space for expansion.