Also known as African Daisy · 51 saves
Arctotis
Arctotis, the genus most gardeners know as african daisy. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Arctotis varieties
2 species of Arctotis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Arctotis in Sow
Save the Arctotis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Arctotis
Whats common across all Arctotis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Arctotis year
- DeadheadMay–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
- FertilizeApril–July88% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants.
- PlantMarch–May63% of varieties
Plant seedlings or transplants after the danger of last frost has passed.
- Pinch TipsApril and May38% of varieties
Pinch back young stems to encourage a bushier, more compact habit.
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during blooming season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in shady areas, as they prefer full sun
- Ignore deadheading, which reduces flowering
What goes wrong with Arctotis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Increase humidity and spray with horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Arctotis
Seed
- Tuck seeds into soil in early spring, covering lightly.
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after sprouting.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings from healthy plants in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist medium.
- Maintain high humidity for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Arctotis questions
How many types of Arctotis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Arctotis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 51 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Arctotis grow in?
Across its varieties, Arctotis covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Arctotis bloom?
Most Arctotis varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to fall, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Arctotis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.