How to Grow South African Daisy
Wikimedia Commons
South African Daisy
Osteospermum ecklonis
flowerSouth African Daisy is a vibrant perennial flowering plant native to South Africa, featuring cheerful daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, yellow, white, and orange. It thrives in cool to moderate climates and produces masses of flowers that close at night or in cloudy weather. This plant is prized for its long blooming season, low maintenance requirements, and stunning visual appeal in gardens and containers.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant South African Daisy in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example South African Daisy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant South African Daisy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First South African Daisy blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact South African Daisy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if South African Daisy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my South African Daisy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves), developing first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light immediately. Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and feathery leaves. Grows rapidly under good light conditions.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize weekly with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips, appearing as small green nodules that gradually enlarge.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Ensure full sun exposure. Remove any dead or diseased foliage. Support tall varieties if needed.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (can be continuous in optimal conditions)Blooms open in daisy-like form with rays surrounding a central disk. Flowers open in morning light and may close in afternoon or clouds.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. Continue moderate watering. Reduce feeding frequency. Watch for pests attracted to flowers.
Decline/Dormancy
2-4 months depending on climateFlowering slows in hot summer months or with cooler fall/winter temperatures. Plant may go semi-dormant.
Drastically reduce watering during dormancy. Cut back plant by one-third to one-half to rejuvenate. Move container-grown plants to cool location if possible. Resume feeding when growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; ensure good air circulation; use yellow sticky traps
-
Spray with water stream to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe; ensure adequate air flow
-
Remove affected leaves; improve plant vigor; use spinosad if infestation is severe
-
Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; remove affected plant tissue; repot in fresh soil if possible
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinarySouth African Daisy petals are edible and can be used as colorful garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. They add a slightly peppery or mild flavor with visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdExcellent cut flower for fresh arrangements lasting 5-7 days in water. The blooms' color variety and daisy form make them versatile for floral designs. [source]
Container & Landscape Ornament
HouseholdPerfect for decorative containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and border plantings. Provides long-season color from spring through fall in cool climates. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that feed on pollen and nectar, supporting local pollinator populations. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalUsed in South African traditional medicine; some herbalists believe it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting just below the flower head to encourage continuous flowering. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when they are fully open. Cut stems back by one-third in midsummer if plants become leggy. In mild climates, plants may bloom nearly year-round with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 South African Daisies are heliotropic, meaning their flowers follow the sun throughout the day and close at night—this behavior is called nyctinasty.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Osteospermum' comes from Greek words meaning 'bone seed,' referring to the hard, bone-like appearance of the seeds.
- 🌱 These flowers thrive in cool seasons (spring and fall) and often stop blooming during hot summers, making them ideal for Mediterranean and temperate climates where they prefer temperatures between 60-70°F.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized South African Daisy planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start South African Daisy seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my South African Daisy timeline →