The Story
Plant Bio
A genus of tender perennials from South Africa, prized for their large, brilliantly colored, daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage. Often grown as annuals.
Hybrids offer a wider range of colors, larger flowers, and often a more compact, floriferous habit than the species. Flowers close at night and on cloudy days.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial in warm zones
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant seedlings when they are strong and have several leaves.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season for best blooms.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy soil for vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- 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
Don't
- Overwater which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in shady areas, as they prefer full sun
- Ignore deadheading, which reduces flowering
- Use heavy, clay soil without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
African Daisy questions
What zones can African Daisy grow in?
African Daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is African Daisy deer resistant?
Yes — African Daisy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does African Daisy bloom?
African Daisy typically blooms in late spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does African Daisy need full sun?
African Daisy does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is African Daisy drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), African Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Arctotis to compare

Sunset African Daisy
Arctotis arctotis 'Sunset'

Flame African Daisy
Arctotis x hybrida 'Flame'

Large Marge Arctotis
Arctotis stoechadifolia 'Large Marge'

Pink Sugar African Daisy
Arctotis arctotis 'Pink Sugar'

Ultra Violet African Daisy
Arctotis arctotis 'Ultra Violet'

Wine African Daisy
Arctotis x hybrida 'Wine'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow African Daisy with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.


