How To Grow and Care For African Daisies

Plant Care

African Daisies are easy to care for, so even if this is your very first garden, you will have a beautiful one filled with African Daisies! These bright, daisy-shaped flowers will flourish with just a few simple care tips. 

Plant African Daisy in full sun and give them well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Though they are drought resistant once established, when in a dry period, water regularly to promote a fuller bloom and overall healthy growth. Some light deadheading and pruning will keep the plant neat and extend its bloom season. Whether to be added to garden beds or containers, just a little routine care will keep these cheerful flowers blooming so nicely through the warmer months.

From novice to skilled level gardeners, the ease of caring for an African Daisy is sure to make it a gardener's favorite. These are the key care tips to help your plant thrive.

Light 

The African Daisy requires full sunlight, which means it must get at least six hours of direct sunshine without any obstructions. The presence of a sunny site is important for good growth and vibrant blooms. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade can help reduce plant heat stress. 

Soil

This plant is known to be tolerant of many types of soil ranging from sandy to loamy and prefers well-drained soils. However, it does best with slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 – 7.0). Be cautious of thick clayey soils with too much moisture as they can lead to root rot. 

Watering 

After planting, the African Daisy is somewhat drought tolerant, however, it does need some watering during the growth season. The top inches of soil should be checked for dryness, and if dry, then the plant should be deeply watered. It is important to note that overwatering can lead to root rot. 

Pruning

To have neat and more blooms, the African Daisy should be pruned regularly. Regularly pruning the African Daisy is important as it helps the plant stay neat. To give the plant a fresh look, fading or dead blossoms should be cut down. If the plant becomes lanky or overgrown, then reducing its back-off will help promote compact growth. Without frequent pruning, the plant risks turning over woody or wild.

Propagating

Propagation of African Daisy can be done through cuttings or seeds. 

• To germinate seeds indoors, maintain the temperature around 65 to 70°F and keep the soil moist, starting around 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. 
• Move seedlings outdoors once they reach a robust enough stage. 

For cuttings:

• Remove a healthy, non-flowering stem and dip the end in rooting hormone. 
• Plant in moist, well-draining soil. 
• To ensure humidity, cover the cuttings with plastic until the roots develop. The cuttings should be around 4–6 inches in length.

Growing in Pots

African Daisies are perfect for plant containers and are a good fit with other flowers on balconies and patios. 

• For a Daisy to flourish, it must be planted in a pot that has a minimum size of 10 inches wide and allows the roots to grow freely. 
• Place the pot in a well drained area that can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. 
• Use a potting mix that is suitable for cactus and succulents. 
• Water the plant during summer when the first inch of soil is dry. During hot seasons, African Daisies bloom the best with ample fertilizing and watering. 

Overwintering

As for African Daisy overwintering at USDA zones 9-11 it’s regarded as hardy, while further north more care may be needed in the winter. For potential potted plants, keep indoors if the temps dip below freezing. Reduce watering and keep at a cool, bright space around 50 to 60°F. If growing in the soil, add mulch around the base to help insulate against frost.

Blooming

The African daisy bloom starts in late spring. The flowers vary from brilliant white, purple, pink, and yellow, and even mix sometimes. To ensure maximum blooming, the plant requires sufficient watering and sunlight. The plant can be deadheaded so that the remaining blossoms extend the flowering period. This way, the gorgeous colors of the garden are maintained for longer.

Common Issues

Despite being a hardy plant, the African Daisy does encounter a few common problems. Among these are:

• Spider mite and aphid infestations → Tend to crop up in early spring for some reason. These pests can easily be removed with a good blast of water or insecticidal soap. 
• Powdery mildew → A result of given conditions; make sure there is sufficient air circulation and do not water from above. 
• Overwatering and root → Forgetting to let the soil dry out. 

Ensure the plant is getting light, trim some of the growth, and relocate it if it is stretching too tall and lanky – it may be starving for light. 

Summary

African Daisies are a perfect combination of beauty and resilience. Their lush, long-lasting flowers add color to any area and they’re so easy to care for that even beginning gardeners succeed with them. These flowers are perfect in borders, pots or baskets, and you can be sure that they will add a splash of color and cheer in your garden. With just a little sun, well-draining soil and occasional care, the African Daisy will reward you months of bold color with minimal fuss. They’re earned their place in every warm-season garden.