Also known as African Daisy · 55 saves
Osteospermum
Osteospermum, the genus most gardeners know as african daisy. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Osteospermum varieties
Track your Osteospermum in Sow
Save the Osteospermum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Osteospermum
Whats common across all Osteospermum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Osteospermum year
- PlantMarch–May100% of varieties
Plant transplants or container specimens after the last hard frost.
- DeadheadMay–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Pinch TipsApril and May56% of varieties
Pinch back young plants to encourage a bushier, more compact habit
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between watering 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
- Apply fertilizer during active growing months
- Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry 💧
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Use heavy, clay soil that retains water
- Neglect deadheading, reducing flowering
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Osteospermum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Wash with water and apply insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves and stippling | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Osteospermum
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain humidity and keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination occurs in 2–3 weeks at 65–75°F.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Osteospermum questions
How many types of Osteospermum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Osteospermum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 55 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Osteospermum grow in?
Across its varieties, Osteospermum 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 Osteospermum bloom?
Most Osteospermum varieties bloom in spring to fall, late spring, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Osteospermum 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.