Growing Osteospermum In Pots is not difficult! They are cute as daisies, easy to manage, and great for a sunny patio or windowsill!
If you want to bring sunshine to your balconies, then go for Osteopermum, also known as African daisies; they are perfect for containers! These colorful bloomers thrive with a little sunlight and care. This post will guide you about everything for growing Osteopermums in pots.
Common Names: African Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy, Cape Daisy
USDA Zones: 9-11
Osteospermums Information
Native to South Africa, Osteopermums are beautiful flowers. They produce daisy-like blooms that come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to pinks and purples.
Osteospermum has a long blooming season. With a little care, it will flower all summer long, right up until the fall frosts arrive. It also has relatively low maintenance, which makes it perfect for beginner gardeners.
Propagating Osteospermum Plant
Propagating Osteospermums from seeds is not a good idea because these plants are hybrids and don’t grow true from seeds. You can take cuttings of existing plants and grow your favorite variety. It is easier and way faster.
Pick out a non-flowering shoot and cut it about 3-5 inches. Remove all the leaves on the bottom half of the cutting and dip this cut end in a rooting hormone, like honey or aloe vera gel.
Then, fill a small pot with a good potting mix, make a hole with your finger in the soil, and insert the cutting inside it. The cut end should be about 2 inches deep in the soil. Use your hands to fix it into the soil and give the pot a good watering. Keep it on a sunny windowsill, and mist it every now and then.
In about 3-4 weeks, this cutting will develop roots and shoots. At that time, you can transplant it into a new pot. But before propagating, you must choose a good Osteospermum variety.
Best Osteospermum Varieties
Here are some easy (and pretty) Osteospermums to grow–for big blooms with contrasting centers, try the ‘Serenity’ or ‘Voltage’ series. For hanging baskets, choose trailing varieties like ‘Falling Stars.’
- ‘Serenity Lavender Frost’ (white with lavender centers) and ‘Peach Symphony’ (peach with purple centers) are great for beginners–they tolerate dry weather and flower all season long.
- ‘Serenity Purple’ is compact and looks good in pots, while ‘Mara’ has big apricot flowers and grows well in containers.
They’re easily available at garden centers. You can also ask your friends for cuttings or order them online. Once you have it ready, all you need is the pot to grow it.
Ideal Pot for Growing Osteospermum
When choosing a pot for African daisies, opt for one slightly larger than the plant needs. Get a pot a couple of sizes bigger, allowing your Osteospermum to grow into it comfortably without suffocating or becoming rootbound. Look for one that is at least 12 inches deep and just as wide.
The material doesn’t matter much so you can go with a decorative one you like, but do make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Requirements for Growing Osteospermum
Sunlight
Osteospermums thrive in full sun; the more light you can give them, the better they will bloom. Place your pot in a south-facing window to get sunlight for at least 6-8 hours. Sun exposure also gives these blooms their rich, vivid colors.
Soil
If you want to grow the best Osteospermums in pots, you need a good quality potting mix. You can blend two parts: Potting Mix for the base, 1 part Perlite (or Vermiculite) for drainage, and 1 part Compost for nutrients and moisture retention.
Mix them up once you have all these ready and put them in the pot. Your plant will thank you with healthy growth and pretty blooms.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t drown it. Water the plant thoroughly, and ensure excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
Remember to let the top inch of the soil dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During hotter months or periods of active growth, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler weather or dormancy, ease up.
Temperature and Humidity
Osteospermum plants thrive best at 55-75F (13-24C). They prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally within 60%. Avoid exposing the plants to temperatures below 40F (4C), as they are sensitive to frost and extreme cold.
Osteospermum Care
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer for flowering plants is perfect. Look for one with an N-P-K ratio close to 10-10-10. When planting, you can mix a small amount of fertilizer into the potting mix.
Then, during the summer, give them a drink of diluted fertilizer every 1-2 weeks. Just follow the instructions on the package for how much to dilute.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can be managed through regular inspection and the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
In addition to this, sometimes, you might see powdery mildew and root rot symptoms, which are a common result of overwatering or poor air circulation. To prevent these issues, use well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging.
