Osteospermum ecklonis
African daisy opens in the sun to spectacular blooming carpets in early spring, excelling in cold tolerance and ideal for seasonal color beds.
Growing Guide & Production Protocols
Cultivation & Growing Guidelines
Osteospermum ecklonis — widely known as African daisy — delivers bold, daisy‑like blooms that open wide in cool, sunny weather and keep their color even as temperatures rise. Plants perform best in full sun, light, well‑drained substrates, and a slightly acidic pH of 5.8–6.2. Reliable spring and autumn flower power, coupled with good frost tolerance, makes Osteospermum a premium option for early‑season retail benches, patio containers, and vibrant landscape borders.
Stick cuttings and remove from mist early, keep 65°F–68°F (18°–20°C). pH 5.8–6.0, EC 0.8–1.2. Feed 50 ppm N, increasing to 100–150 ppm N. Fungicide at sticking and week 2; pinch at transplant.
For more detailed growing tips – such as sticking guidelines, recommended PGRs, and scheduling protocols – check out our Osteospermum ecklonis Growing Tips.
Common Production Base Specs
Core agronomic requirements applying across all Osteospermum ecklonis series.
| Crop Type | Bedding - Annuals |
|---|---|
| Growing Guide & Production Protocols | Osteospermum ecklonis, part of the Asteraceae family, is known for its striking, daisy-like flowers with unique, often iridescent centers. This cool-season annual/tender perennial thrives in full sun, well-drained, average soil. With excellent cold tolerance and early spring vigor, Osteospermum ecklonis blooms profusely in spring and early summer, making it a favorite for early-season containers, landscape beds, and mixed planters that need brilliant, cool-weather floral displays. |
| Cultivation & Groweing guidelines | Maintain 68-72°F (20-22°C) early for rooting, then cool to 55-60°F (13-15°C) to tone and encourage compact growth. pH 5.8-6.2, EC 0.8-1.2, feed 100-150 ppm N. Allow moderate dry down between irrigations. Apply preventative fungicide at transplant. Apply Daminozide at 1,500-2,500 ppm or Uniconazole as needed for height control. |
| Growth Habit | Mounded / Upright |
| PGR Requirements | Moderate |
| Recommended Formats | Quarts, Gallons, Containers |
| Flowering Season | Early Spring to Early Summer |
Commercial Osteospermum ecklonis Series Overview
Danziger offers a specialized Osteospermum ecklonis lineup, with each series bred for specific growth habits and production goals. Danziger offers different series within this crop:
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BESTIES™ Series
Explore Series: BESTIES™ Series →The Celebrate of Friendship in Every Bloom
This is a story of friendship and everlasting connections.
This series celebrates the diverse and vibrant relationships that enrich our lives, making them truly beautiful.
Just as friendships in life come in many forms,
this series offers a diverse of colors.
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OSTICADE™ Series
Explore Series: OSTICADE™ Series →- Controlled semi trailing habit is perfect for baskets
- No need for cold treatment, can be grown in a warm greenhouse along with other annuals
- Available as Callused Cutting
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OSTICA™ Series
Explore Series: OSTICA™ Series →our new glamorous variety with exceptionally large flowers.
No need for cold treatment, can be grown in a
warm greenhouse along with other annuals
