How to Grow African Daisy Butterscotch

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African Daisy Butterscotch

Osteospermum ecklonis 'Butterscotch'

flower

African Daisy 'Butterscotch' is a vibrant cultivar featuring warm golden-yellow flowers with deep purple or burgundy centers, creating a striking two-tone effect. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and produces prolific daisy-like blooms that attract pollinators. The plant offers long-season color from spring through fall in cooler climates.

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Example African Daisy Butterscotch timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant African Daisy Butterscotch
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First African Daisy Butterscotch blooms
Around Jun 1

≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Daisy Butterscotch dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade helps in extremely hot climates

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot and powdery mildew.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first blooms from transplant

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Planting depth: Surface sown or 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost (moderate amounts) Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Year-round in zones 9-11; grow as cool-season annual in zones 3-8

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging; very delicate and prone to damping off.

Provide bright light, good air circulation, and keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Use well-draining seed-starting mix.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy foliage with narrow, slightly hairy, gray-green leaves arranged in rosette patterns. Multiple stems emerging from base.

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Maintain moderate moisture and full sun exposure. Begin light fertilizing weekly.

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at stem tips; plants become increasingly compact and robust. First butterscotch-colored blooms with dark centers opening.

Maintain consistent watering without saturating soil. Continue weekly balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Peak Flowering

6-12 weeks (spring to fall in cool climates; winter to spring in warm zones)

Dense clusters of golden-yellow daisy flowers with prominent dark purple or burgundy disk centers covering the plant. Continuous blooming.

Deadhead regularly to maintain flowering. Reduce fertilizer to every 2-3 weeks to avoid excessive vegetative growth. Watch for pests and disease.

Late Season & Decline

Variable; until frost (cool zones) or summer heat (warm zones)

Flowering slows in heat or cold. Plant may become leggy or show signs of stress. Foliage may fade in very hot summers.

In warm zones, provide afternoon shade during peak summer. In cool zones, enjoy extended flowering into fall. Cut back or replace as needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Gazania Statice (Limonium) Diascia Penstemons Ornamental grasses Santolina Lavender Catmint

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients Plants requiring consistently wet soil Tall plants that shade the daisy (prefers full sun)

Common Pests

Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe. Avoid excessive heat stress.
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Ensure excellent air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or baking soda spray. Reduce overwatering.

Uses

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Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

The petals of African Daisies are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. They add visual appeal and a slightly tangy flavor. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Long-lasting daisy flowers are excellent for fresh-cut flower arrangements and bouquets, providing vibrant color for 1-2 weeks in a vase. The striking two-tone blooms work well in contemporary and cottage garden arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

African Daisies are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Planting 'Butterscotch' helps support pollinator populations and creates a vibrant garden ecosystem. [source]

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Garden Color & Landscaping

Household

The bright butterscotch-yellow flowers with dark centers provide striking ornamental color for borders, containers, rock gardens, and landscape beds. They bloom prolifically for extended periods. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Osteospermum species have been traditionally used in South African herbal medicine for various remedies, though modern research is limited. Some cultivars are explored for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

African Daisies are ornamental flowers meant for garden display or cutting. Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open for fresh arrangements. Remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading) to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 African Daisies close their flowers at night and on cloudy days in a behavior called nyctinasty, which protects the pollen and stigma from moisture and nighttime predators.
🌱 'Butterscotch' is a cultivated variety (cultivar) developed through selective breeding to enhance the warm golden-yellow color with contrasting dark centers—wild Osteospermum species native to South Africa have simpler color patterns.
🌱 These plants are called 'Osteospermum' (meaning 'bone seed' from Greek osteon and sperma) because of their characteristic hard, bone-like seed structures.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Perennial Pinch Back True Leaves

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