African daisies are a pretty addition to sunny flower beds, porch
boxes or containers. However, when you see the name, African
Daisy, it gets a little confusing as to what you are actually buying.
There are three plants that are generally known as African daisies.
First, the Dimorphotheca varieties, which I tend to like, are known
as cape marigolds, as well as African Daisies. Over the years they
were also known as Namaqualand or Star-of-the-veldt. It's an annual
everywhere but in Zones 9 and 10. They need full sun and a light dry
soil to do well at all. Seeds can be sown in spring after frosts for
blooms in June and July. Just barely cover the seeds and keep them
moist but not wet. Sow them about 4 inches apart in the soil; they
should be thinned to that spacing later if you sow too thickly.
Dimorphotheca doesn't transplant well, so plant where you want
them located. 
This African daisy responds well to deadheading and will bloom
til frost in the fall. Don't water from above, but at the soil level
instead. The white variety are a beautiful addition to a moonlight
garden theme. They also come in brilliant colors of orange, yellow,
salmon and apricot.
So, what other plants are called African Daisies? The Arctotis genus
has about 50 species of annuals and perennials from South Africa.
The foliage is a gray green color. They hybrids are popular bedding
plants. I've grown then in my porch boxes and they did very well
and were stunning. They can't tolerate night temperatures that are
extremely high or humidity. They come in colors such as red, pink,
orange, yellow and also white. Arctotis needs full sun, although it will
grow in light shade. They can grow most anywhere as far as the soil
goes--and are very drought tolerant. Cut the plants back to about six
inches when they finish blooming in later summer.
The Osteospermum genus consists of over 70 shrubs, perennials and
annuals, mostly from South Africa. The blooms tend to be in white,
pink, violet and purple shades. They are also known as blue-eyed
daisies or freeway daisy, because they grow wild in California and
can be seen along the freeways with pale lilac blooms. Seeds should
be started inside 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Lightly cover the
seeds, providing light and they should germinate at temperatures
between 65-70 degrees F in 10-12 days. They also can be planted
directly in the garden after the frost has passed. Osteospurmum
ecklonis is often available in a mix of purple, rose, pink and white
blooms--all with blue centers. Thompson & Morgan has several
varieties of seeds including two whites and two mixes here.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Perennial & Landscaping Resources
Breck's: Bulbs & Plants
Spring Hill Nursery
Michigan Bulb
Henry Field's
Gurney's Seed & Nursery
Jackson & Perkins
White
Flower Farm
Nature Hills Nursery
