Types

• The African daisy is also known commonly as the South African daisy, Cape daisy and Blue Eyed daisy.
  There are three major species known as African daisies, although there are many hybrid subspecies.
  Arctotis is a genus with 50 subspecies. They love full sun and show well in colors such as yellow, pink, red, orange and white. These are great choices for desert or high desert areas as they are drought tolerant, although they don't do well with night temperatures that are too humid or hot.
  Osteospermum is a genus with 70 subspecies. The flowers bloom in shades of purple, violet, pink and white. This genus is also known as freeway daisies because they grow wild along temperate California highways. The flowers are often purchased in a seed mix containing blue-centered flowers with petals of purple, pink and white.
  Dimorphotheca is a genus of the African daisy requiring full sun and light dry soil. They are also known as Cape Marigolds. They can be purchased in a seed mixture of shades of gold and yellow. They do not transplant well and are best seeded in the garden area without preseeding indoors.
  
  

Features

• The blooms of the African daisy grow upon tall stems with grey-green, deep cut leaves. The native species have deep blue centers encircled by a thin yellow band. The petals are paler than the hybrids. They grow to an average height of 12 to 18 inches. with a long blooming period of up to 5 months. Certain varieties can reseed naturally in a warm climate, but usually these daisies are considered to be annuals.
  Many times a number of different hybrid African Daisy seeds can be found in a "wildflower" mix. They can also be found in a mix of yellows, oranges and white, which is a popular choice for garden beds.
  
  

Function

• African daisies function best if planted in full sun in an area that has warm days and cool nights. If the nights become too cold, the flowers may stop blooming. However, if the climate becomes warmer again, the blooming should restart. For those varieties that can be seeded indoors, do so 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. If they are planted directly in the outdoor soil, space them 4 to 8 inches apart. They should begin germination in 15 to 20 days. By cutting off the "dead heads" the plant will become stronger, producing even more blooms. They are a colorful addition to flower beds, containers or scattered within landscaping.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• African daisies are prone to fungal diseases. Therefore, water them at ground level to avoid getting the leaves wet. A light fungicide can be applied if a problem arises. Aphids can also be a problem for which insecticides or repellents can be applied. For a natural remedy for plant fungus combine a chopped bulb of garlic and a quart of hot water. Let the liquid stand overnight and then place it into a spray bottle. Spray it on the African daisy plant to kill fungus or mildew. For aphids, remember that one ladybug eats 100 aphids a day. Purchase ladybugs and introduce them to your aphid-ridden plants to naturally dispose of them.
  
  

Considerations

• Planting African daisies with other spring annuals such as blue nemesai, orange snapdragons and purple pansies along with ornamental cabbage or kale makes a spectacular array of color hues that complement each other. Choose a corner flower bed, adding one or two large containers of African daisies to make them stand out.