annual

African Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Dimorphotheca sinuata is a low-growing, spreading annual herb native to the dry regions of southern Africa. The bushy foliage consists of narrow, slightly toothed green leaves covered in glandular hairs, supporting daisy-like flower heads that open fully in bright sun and close during overcast weather.

The species is distinguished by its vivid ray petals in shades of orange, yellow, salmon, or white, surrounding a contrasting central disc. It thrives in lean, sandy soils where more delicate annuals fail, providing rapid ground cover on dry slopes.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a vibrant carpet of daisy-like flowers in bright sun, ideal for dry rockeries and borders.

Provides rapid, drought-tolerant ground cover on sandy slopes and nutrient-poor soils.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

12"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Southern Africa

Toxicity

Skin irritant (glandular secretions)

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring after the last frost, or in fall in mild-winter climates.
Water sparingly during germination and establishment, then transition to minimal irrigation once the plants are established.
Deadhead spent blooms periodically to prolong the flowering season, but avoid pruning back into old, leafless wood.

Pro Tip

Plant in poor, gravelly soils and withhold summer irrigation; excess water and heavy fertilizers trigger root rot and produce weak, leafy growth with few flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Sow seeds directly in place for the strongest root development.
Ensure the planting site has sharp drainage to prevent root rot.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as this leads to lush foliage and fewer flowers.
Do not use overhead watering, which encourages powdery mildew and fungal leaf issues.
Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged coastal soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensDry bordersErosion control on slopesMass plantingsContainer displays

Companion Plants

Eschscholzia californica Coreopsis lanceolata Sedum Salvia

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 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does African Daisy bloom?

African Daisy typically blooms in spring through early 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.