Osteospermum: choose an annual or perennial crop. Osteospermum planting and care in open ground in winter

Osteospermum is a flower with many names and varieties, but with constant beauty and sophistication. African chamomile has captivated many flower growers not only with its appearance, but also with its unpretentious character, as well as long-term flowering. And although outwardly osteospermum looks like the chamomile or daisy familiar to all of us, it has its own characteristics. You can grow it at home from seeds, which will not cause much trouble and will even bring pleasure to gardeners.

Osteospermum came to us from the countries of the African continent. But here the flower has taken root well; it has recently begun to be actively planted not only in home plots, but also in parks, squares, and city flower beds. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows as a bush with dense leaves and many flowers. Osteospermum begins to bloom in mid-summer and continues until frost in the fall. Each flower reaches 5-8 cm in diameter. The color and shape of osteospermum petals depends on the variety, of which there are many. The height of the bushes can be from 25 cm to 1 m. If the leaves or stem are damaged, the flower produces enough bad smell, which some people don't like. But during flowering, if there is no damage, this smell does not appear.

Today, about 7 dozen types of osteospermum are known. But not all of them are cultivated here. Eklon's osteospermum can rightfully be called the most popular. Its second name is Carpathian daisy. This shrub is a heat-loving perennial that is often grown as an annual in colder regions. Today, many varieties have been developed based on this species. They differ in shape and color. Here are the most popular:

• Silver Sparkler has white flowers and green leaves with white spots;
• Buttermilk has bright green leaves and yellow flowers;
• Zulu has delicate yellow flowers;
• Congo blooms in the form of flowers with a pinkish-purple hue.

Another type of African chamomile that appeared in our country not so long ago is osteospermum noticeable. His main distinctive feature- this is a variation color range during flowering. As the flower blooms, its shade changes, and this also happens at the end of flowering. For example, the Volta variety turns white after blooming in lilac-pink tones. But Bambe is the opposite - at first it has a light color, and then turns purple.

Gardeners most often use low-growing varieties, which makes it possible to plant osteospermum not only in open ground, but also in containers and pots.

To plant osteospermum at home, you do not need to buy seedlings. It is quite possible to grow it yourself. This will not require high costs strength or time. African chamomile is excellent for sowing at home, and caring for the seedlings is not difficult. Therefore, this type of propagation is excellent for this plant.

African chamomile seeds are very easy to collect. In the last month of summer, a row of seeds begins to encircle the center of the flowers. They are quite large in size and dark color. You can store them until spring in a paper bag.

The best time to start sowing osteospermum is spring. You should not start too early, so that later the grown seedlings do not freeze outside. Most the right time– from mid-March to approximately mid-April. In this case, the seedlings will be ready by June and can be easily planted in open ground.

It is immediately worth noting that osteospermum has rather delicate roots that are easy to damage. That is why it is recommended to sow the flower immediately in separate containers. This way you can avoid an intermediate transplant - picking, during which the roots are often damaged.

The soil for seeds must be prepared loosely. An ordinary floral composition made from humus with the addition of turf soil and sand is excellent.

• The seeds need to be deepened a little - only 0.5 cm, no more. Then they are sprinkled with soil on top.
• When the seeds are placed in the ground, the containers with them should be placed in a place where there is a lot of light. This will ensure good growth seedlings.
• It is important to take care of the air temperature. It should not drop to more than 20 0 C.
• The top of the boxes should be covered with film or glass. Don't overdo it with watering. It should be moderate and timely.

If you stick to all these simple rules, then the first shoots can be obtained very soon - in 5-7 days.

After this, the conditions change a little. Seedlings still require a lot of light, but the temperature should be a little lower. Watering should be done regularly, but with constant supervision. It is important that water does not stagnate in the soil.

If picking is necessary, it is done after 2-3 leaves appear on the stems.

Sometimes the osteospermum stretches too far ahead of time. In this case, the stems can be placed in small grooves and lightly sprinkled with soil. Also form beautiful lush plants can be pinched.

In May, it is time to harden off African chamomile seedlings. It can be placed on window sills with open windows. Also great option– take it out onto a glassed-in balcony or loggia.

By the way, it is worth noting that The plant reproduces well by seeds on its own. Osteospermum gives high yield when self-seeding. If this option suits the gardener, then you can simply wait until spring without collecting seeds. They will sprout when the time is right.

How to grow osteospermum from seeds: video

Planting in the ground can be done at the end of spring. IN last days May is already quite warm, frosts have passed. The osteospermum will be able to develop perfectly. The bushes are planted quite widely - approximately 25-20 cm from each other. You can choose a sunny place for osteospermum, but partial shade is also suitable for this plant. It is advisable to choose a well-drained, fertile soil; you can prepare the substrate yourself and fertilize the area with it. Sand, humus, and turf soil are excellent for this.

The plant needs to be watered frequently immediately after planting. For about 2 weeks, osteospermum needs watering twice a day - morning and evening.

The unpretentiousness of the flower lies in the fact that it can tolerate various unpleasant conditions. African daisy will survive insufficient watering, hot weather, will withstand wind and even slight frost. It is worth fertilizing the flower often - every week. This will improve growth and appearance. The plant will bloom long and abundantly.

You only need to weed the bushes at first, until they grow up. When the leaves close together in the rows of osteospermum, there will be no need to loosen or weed the soil.

To give flowers beautiful shape, it is advisable to pinch the bushes. This way the plant will be denser and branchier. This procedure is done at least twice during the season. Also, the set of measures for caring for osteospermum includes the removal of flowers that have withered and dried out.

Seeds - no the only way propagate osteospermum. Often new flowers are obtained by cuttings. To do this, you need to dig up the bushes in autumn period and prepare the cuttings. They must be stored throughout the winter in the right conditions. From one mature bush you can get quite a lot of new plants - young and beautiful.

Cuttings must be cut using sharp knife. Branches 5-7 cm long are selected. All leaves at the bottom of the cuttings must be removed. After this, the blanks are placed in a container filled with a pre-moistened substrate. Moss with hydrogel or perlite or vermiculite are excellent soil options.

The cuttings should stand in a place with high temperature And good lighting. It is advisable to cover them with a transparent material - film or glass. These blanks need daily ventilation and moistening. The latter is best done in the form of spraying rather than watering. After just 10 days, it will be noticeable which of the cuttings were able to take root and which ones died.

It is worth noting that this particular method of reproduction is used if it is necessary to preserve varietal characteristics flower. When sowing, these qualities are shared among new plants. But cuttings retain all the advantages of the variety.

Diseases and pests, growing problems

Diseases and harmful insects, as a rule, do not attack osteospermum. The plant is resistant to them in most cases. But immunity decreases if African chamomile grows in unfavorable conditions.

The most common condition is soil that is too wet and does not dry out.

If a flower grows in the shade and the sun does not dry out the soil, then you should worry about it. Osteospermum can be damaged by fungus. This disease will lead to rotting of the roots, and the bush itself will begin to wither and die.

In this case, it is necessary to urgently take measures to save him. The osteospermum needs to be transplanted to a lighter place, with better soil. But before this, the roots must be treated by special means, destroying the fungus.

Aphids love to feast on the juice of weakened African chamomile. This pest settles on leaves and stems. They begin to change color to yellow and fall off. The bush looks unhealthy and withered. In this case, the best solution is treatment with insecticides in the form of spraying osteospermum bushes. Some gardeners also use garlic water and a solution of laundry soap for spraying.

Don't worry if the plant suddenly stops blooming in summer. This happens to African chamomile when there is extreme heat. Flowering can safely resume as soon as the temperature drops and the plant feels better.

Osteospermum is considered a perennial plant. But in temperate latitudes This flower is most often grown as an annual. And all because the plant cannot endure our winter, being on its own. permanent place. Only some varieties can withstand frost, and even then a small one - only down to -10 0 C.

Only healthy bushes are selected, strong, capable for a long time survive without warmth. You need to dig up the bushes very carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the roots. Then the bushes will not be able to survive. After this, they are transplanted into boxes or other containers with soil.

In winter, osteospermum is placed in a cool, but bright place. Cellars and basements are not suitable for this. Some people leave the plant in the house on the windowsill. This allows you to enjoy its flowering longer. But it is unlikely that such a bush will be preserved. After all, it will use up its strength until it completely fades in the warmth. Already towards the middle winter period the plant will not be able to bloom and will gradually wither.

You can start placing the flower in heat no earlier than the third ten days of February. In the last days of the month, you can bring the plant into warm house and start watering. You can also fertilize, which will give strength to the overwintered flower. It is best to replant into open ground in May, as well as seedlings from seeds.

African chamomile can be considered a universal flower. I really liked him landscape designers. It is grown in gardens, along with bushes, as well as in tubs and pots on terraces and balconies. Osteospermum also looks good in group plantings. It is grown together with flowers such as aquilegia, foxglove, and phlox.

• Bloom: from mid-summer to November.
• Landing: sowing seeds for seedlings - at the end of March or early April, planting seedlings in open ground - at the end of May.
• Lighting: bright light or partial shade.
• The soil: loose, light, well-drained, fertile, but without excess organic matter.
• Watering: moderate, and only in dry seasons.
• Feeding: twice a month complex mineral fertilizers at half the dosage specified by the manufacturers.
• Reproduction: seed.
• Pests: aphid.
• Diseases: rotten.

Read more about growing osteospermum below.

Osteospermum flower - description

The osteospermum plant, reaching a height of 1 m, belongs to evergreen crops. The stems of the plant are erect, although there are also species with creeping shoots. The leaves of osteospermum are unequally toothed along the edges, and the flowers are inflorescences-baskets with a diameter of 4 to 10 cm, consisting of white, purple, violet, pink, orange or yellow reed flowers and blue central tubular flowers. Unlike other representatives of the Asteraceae family, in which the seeds set tubular flowers, in Osteospermum the middle flowers are sterile, and the seeds form ligulate flowers, bordering the sterile middle of the inflorescence.

Osteospermum is grown in a flower bed, in patios, in pots and tubs. Cape chamomile blooms profusely until November and easily tolerates heat, short drought and frost of several degrees. In our climate, the perennial osteospermum is grown mainly as an annual crop.

Growing osteosperm from seeds

When to plant osteospermum.

Dry osteospermum seeds are sown for seedlings at the end of March or beginning of April in peat tablets or in boxes filled with loose peat-sandy soil. If you want to speed up the process of seed germination, do not soak them (osteospermum does not like this), but simply keep them in a damp cloth for several hours before sowing. Bury the seeds into the moistened substrate by 5 mm, pushing them deeper with a toothpick. Contain crops at a temperature of 20-22 ºC. Shoots can appear within a week, and as soon as this happens, the crops are moved as close to the light as possible, and after 2-3 true leaves appear, the seedlings growing in the box are planted in separate containers with part of the stem buried. The top of transplanted seedlings of tall varieties is lightly pinched to stimulate more lush flowering in the future and slow down the elongation of seedlings. At the beginning of May, they begin to carry out hardening procedures by opening a window in the room or taking the seedlings out onto the balcony, first for 10-15 minutes and gradually increasing the duration of the session.

Planting osteospermum in open ground

How to plant osteospermum in the garden.

Osteospermum seedlings will be ready for planting in open ground at the end of May. Osteospermum chamomile prefers sunlit areas, although it also does well in partial shade. Dig holes in a row at a distance of 20-25 cm of such depth that the roots of the seedlings fit into them along with a ball of earth, and after transferring the seedlings, fill each hole with nutritious soil consisting of sand, humus, leaf and turf soil in equal parts. Compact the surface and water the plants generously. Osteospermum blooms from seeds in June.

Caring for osteospermum in the garden

How to grow osteospermum.

Planting osteospermum and caring for it is not difficult and pleasant. The plant needs moderate watering, fertilizing during the flowering period and timely removal of wilted inflorescences. If the nights in May are cold, young plants need protection from low temperatures.

In a season with a normal amount of precipitation, osteospermum in open ground can do without watering, but if a prolonged drought occurs, this can affect the decorative appearance of the flowers, which become smaller due to lack of moisture.

In order for osteospermum to bloom long and lushly, it is fed once every two weeks with complex mineral fertilizers in half the dosage recommended by the manufacturers. Sometimes, due to extreme heat, the plant stops forming buds, but as soon as the temperature drops, intensive flowering of osteospermum resumes.

Pests and diseases of osteospermum.

Growing and caring for osteospermum involves taking protective measures against diseases and pests, and although African chamomile is extremely resistant to infections and insect attacks, problems of this kind can also arise. For example, growing in the shade with abundant and frequent watering can lead to a weakening of the plant’s immunity, as a result of which the osteospermum is affected fungal diseases: The roots of the plant begin to rot and the bush withers. Therefore, grow osteospermum in full sun and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Treat diseased bushes with a fungicide solution.

Weakened osteospermum is easy prey for aphids, which settle on stems and leaves and feed on their juice, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, and the bush withers. Aphids are destroyed with acaricidal drugs - Actellik, Aktara or Karbofos.

Osteospermum after flowering.

The annual osteospermum dies with the onset of winter, but there is a way to extend its life and make it a perennial osteospermum. To do this, the plant is dug up in the fall, transplanted into a pot and brought into a cool room, where the osteospermum will delight you with its flowering for a long time.

Types and varieties of osteospermum

There are about 45 species of osteospermum found in nature. The most famous of them are:

- a plant from the eastern Cape region. Some forms of the species have straight stems up to 1.5 m high, other forms are spreading, low-growing, almost creeping. The inflorescences of plants of this species, with a red-violet center and white reed flowers covered with pink veins on the underside, reach a diameter of 8 cm. There is a variety with bluish middle flowers.

originally from the southern Cape region. It has creeping stems that can cover large areas. The reed flowers of this species are light lilac, white or red. Osteospermum fruticosa was introduced into California and spread enormously there.

- perennial from inland areas South Africa. It blooms almost all year round with inflorescences with purple-pink reed flowers, darkening towards the center.

As for the varieties and hybrids of osteospermum, their origin is uncertain. The most popular of them are:

• – Bamba- a variety with wider marginal flowers than other osteospermums, which at the beginning of flowering are colored White color, but gradually become purple;
• – Buttermilk– bushes about 60 cm high with gray-green leaves, dark middle flowers and pale yellow marginal ones;
• – Cannington Roy- a low-growing creeping subshrub with inflorescences up to 8 cm in diameter, consisting of white corollas with purple tips, which gradually become pink-purple;
• – Congo– a variety with small inflorescences and pinkish-violet reed flowers;
• – Pemba- a plant whose reed flowers grow together into a tube up to half their length;
• – Lusaka– a variety with long light purple reed flowers;
• – Volta- a variety in which the reed flowers are first lilac-pink, and then they become almost white;
• – Silver Sparkler– bushes up to 40 cm high with white marginal flowers and light dots on the leaves;
• – Sandy Pink– a plant about 40 cm high with pink inflorescences and spoon-shaped marginal flowers;
• – Starry Eyes- plants a little more than half a meter high with white on the upper side and gray-blue on the lower reed flowers, folded in half lengthwise.

Osteospermum is beautiful flower of the aster family, also called African chamomile. The flower feels great when grown on garden beds, in flowerpots on the balcony or in flower pot Houses with proper care.

It came to us relatively recently, but has already become very popular among gardeners. It is especially loved by those who prefer to see charming flowers in the garden or on the windowsill, similar to daisies, and striking the imagination with the variety of shapes and shades of delicate petals.

The colors of osteospermums are so diverse that they simply amaze the imagination. It can add charm and uniqueness to the interior of any apartment, or can become a landscape decoration in a garden plot.

Osteospermum is very resistant to attack by pests and diseases.

However, the disadvantage sunlight And excessive humidity soil can lead to the fact that it settles on the flower aphid. This is very small insects. Aphids come in white, green and even black colors. To combat it, you can use chemicals, which are purchased in flower shops.

In addition, you can carefully remove aphids using a soft sponge and a solution of laundry or tar soap. In this case, use 1 part soap and 6 parts water.

Avoid contact soap solution into the ground. To avoid this, you need to wrap the pot tightly cling film. Several treatments are required to completely remove aphids.

Soil for Cape daisy

Osteospermum prefers loose fertile soils. To grow a flower in a pot, you should buy universal soil and be sure to pour expanded clay onto the bottom of the flower pot as a drainage layer.

The following mixture is suitable for growing on the balcony:

• turf soil 1 part;
• leaf soil 1 part;
• sand 1 part;
• humus 1 part.

The presence of a drainage layer is also necessary.

Temperature

The flower feels better in well-lit sunny areas. If there is a lack of sunlight, it may die. In the spring indoor flowers that do not have enough sunlight can be illuminated with a special lamp.

Watering

Prefers moderate watering and does not require spraying. During the dormant period, which lasts from October to March, the plants are not watered. When caring for flowers in the open ground, you should not allow the soil in the flowerbed to crack.

It should be remembered that in the case of this plant, better disadvantage watering than its excess.

How to form a bush

In order for the osteospermum bush to be beautiful and neat, it should Pinching at least twice a season plants. In addition, it is necessary to systematically clear the bushes of inflorescences that have already faded.

How to preserve in winter

Since Africa is its homeland, then to winter in the open ground in the conditions of our country, osteospermum can not. To preserve the plant in winter, it needs to be prepared for wintering at home.

In the flowerbeds and on garden plots it is planted every year. If the plant was in flowerpots on the terrace or decorated the balcony, then when cold weather sets in, it is brought from the street and placed in a cool place. dark place with a temperature not lower than +15 degrees. The same goes for indoor ones. In March they are exposed to the sun and begin to be watered.

How does it reproduce

Osteospermum multiplies seeds and cuttings. Seeds can be purchased at flower shop or collect from plants that are already blooming in your flowerbed.

When propagated by seeds, the flower does not retain varietal characteristics.

If you need to get a plant with certain varietal characteristics, cuttings should be used for propagation.

Seeds

When growing plants in open ground, sowing osteospermum seeds is carried out not earlier than May so that tender sprouts do not die from temperature changes.

Before planting, the soil in the flower bed is dug up, loosened and leveled. It's better to deposit organic fertilizers. Seeds are laid out one at a time, covered with soil and watered. The first shoots appear on the 5th day after planting.

You can sow seedlings in advance. This will speed up the start of plant flowering.

Excellent for sowing seedlings peat pots, which the plant provides during growth and development essential microelements. The pots are filled with soil. One seed is placed in each pot. They are covered with soil, watered and kept in good light and a temperature of +20 degrees.

Cover the pots to create greenhouse effect no need.

By cuttings

When propagated by cuttings species characteristics are completely preserved. It is advisable to take cuttings from shoots that have not yet bloomed. They are produced by the plant after the end of the dormant period. In spring, the pot with the plant is placed in a warm, sunny room and waiting for young shoots to appear. They are carefully cut at an angle with a sharp knife.

The cuttings are planted in prepared soil and covered with film to create a greenhouse effect. After a week, the cuttings begin to root. Rooted cuttings can be placed in an indoor flower pot, a balcony flowerpot or a garden bed.

Varieties of osteospermum

Suitable for outdoor cultivation

The most common among large quantity species, is Osteospermum Eklona. This perennial served as the basis for the creation of a huge number hybrid varieties:

• - a type of osteospermum with bright purple flowers;
• - flowers of this variety can change color from lilac to white;
• - variety with yellow flowers;
• - change color from white to lilac;
• - a very funny variety, the flower petals are twisted halfway into a tube;

There are varieties with spoon-shaped petals. This includes, for example, . Thanks to the abundance of forms and especially bright, unexpected colors of the inflorescence, ospermums are becoming increasingly popular among designers, because with the help of these plants you can create a simply fabulous landscape.

Varieties for planting at home

Suitable for growing in a pot on a windowsill: annuals and perennials plant species.

Perennial species can live 2-3 years, with proper care and ensuring a period of rest. When choosing annual varieties, it is necessary to plant young plants every spring.

As indoor flower, a variety with a romantic name is perfect sky and ice. Small bushes with many white flowers with a blue border simply attract the eye.

The Cape daisy is the common name for the entire species.

That's what they call it both perennials and annuals, high grades osteospermum and low-growing bushes, flowers that are located on the windowsill and those that decorate the garden.

Everyone has both room and garden plant, always have their loyal fans. Some gardeners prefer the exquisite beauty of pink buds, while others prefer the simplicity and clean lines of daisies.

It is thanks to the variety of tastes that humanity has received a huge amount different varieties ornamental plants. Each of them and all together they allow us to make our life diverse and vibrant, and the Earth beautiful and unique.

Cape chamomile - spectacular ornamental plant, By appearance reminiscent of representatives of the Nivyanyk genus (for which it received the corresponding name). Due to its long flowering period and many color options, the shrub is widely used for growing in flower beds.

Despite its unpretentiousness, before starting the cultivation of osteospermum it is worth considering the peculiarities of planting the plant and caring for it in open ground. A correct selection flower varieties will help the gardener admire the riot of colors until late autumn.

Botanical description

Osteospermum is a perennial or annual shrub belonging to the Astraceae or Compositae family. Experts count about 50 plant species, most of which came to us from South Africa, namely from the Cape Province.

For its resemblance to “daisies” the plant in our country is called:

• blue-eyed daisy;
• Cape daisy;
• African chamomile.

The evergreen shrub has a number of distinctive characteristics:

• erect stem up to 1 m in height (only in some species it is creeping);
• uneven serrated leaves;
• baskets-inflorescences with a diameter of up to 10 cm;
• white, purple, pink, yellow, violet color of flowers.

The Cape daisy tolerates heat well. In addition, it can withstand short-term frosts or drought.

Pollination of the bush is carried out by bees.

In addition to flower beds, African chamomile is grown in patios, pots or tubs.

Types and varieties of osteospermum in the photo

Most Osteospermum flowers are wild species. Only a few shrubs are suitable for growing at home.

Eklona

Osteospermum ecklonis reaches a height of 1 m and is a branched, strong shrub. It does not tolerate low temperatures, therefore it is cultivated mainly as an annual.

Has the Osteospermum ecklonis Starshine variety, characterized by a bright blue flower center.

Noticeable

Osteospermum jucundum is grown as a container crop. While creating favorable conditions for this heat-loving plant can delight all year with large purple-pink inflorescences.

Hybrid

The hybrid species of Cape chamomile is different long flowering and unpretentiousness. Obtained as a result of crossing plants within the family.

The main varieties of this hybrid are:

1. Osteospermum Sky and Ice. It is distinguished by the unusual color of the inflorescence, in which the middle is of blue color, and the edges have a white tint.
   
2. Cool. The variety is intended only for use in bouquets. It has large white and purple flowers.
   
3. Buttermilk(Osteospermum Buttermilk). It is characterized by a bright yellow color of the petals, turning into white over time.
   
4. Passion. A relatively low bush with pink or purple flowers up to 5 cm in diameter.
   
5. Volta(Osteospermum Volta). A plant whose peculiarity is the gradual change of the pinkish-lilac shade of the petals to white.
   
6. Osteospermum Bamba(or Bambe) is a chameleon plant because it gradually changes color from white to purple.
   
7. . The variety is resistant to cold and is characterized by dark purple inflorescences with a pleasant aroma.
   

As a result of breeding work based on the Akila cultivar, several of its varieties were developed:

1. – reaches 20 cm in height, characterized by hard, constantly renewed flowers with a diameter of up to 6 cm.
   
2. has good branching, grows up to 36 cm, blooms profusely ;
   
3. It is a small plant (up to 16 cm) with constantly renewing white inflorescences.
   

Garden Cape daisies bloom in early summer and continue to produce inflorescences until the first hard frost. When grown in a greenhouse, flowering will be continuous from May to December.

Relatives of Osteospermum

Novice gardeners often confuse their closest relatives and osteospermum, but the differences between these plants are significant.

Indeed, both shrubs are representatives of the Asteraceae family, come from African countries, and have a certain resemblance to chamomile. However, the main distinctive characteristic species is that Osteospermum is a perennial, and dimorphotheca is grown exclusively as annual plant.

Another crop with which African chamomile is often confused is cardiospermum. Despite similar name, this is a completely different plant. Cardiospermum is native to India and is an annual vine. Seed pods crops are similar to the fruits of physalis.

When to sow osteospermum and how to plant?

Cape chamomile is grown in 2 ways:

• sowing seeds;
• cuttings.

At home, growing Osteospermum from seeds is carried out as follows:

• in March or early April, the seed is distributed into separate containers;
• immerse the seed 0.5 cm in moist soil and lightly sprinkle with earth;
• the container is covered with polyethylene or glass;
• send it to a warm place (+ 22°C) for germination;
• a week after the sprouts appear, the pots are moved to a bright windowsill;
• at the same time they help reduce the air temperature to 18 degrees Celsius;
• to prevent “stretching” of seedlings, they are illuminated (up to 14 hours/day);
• regularly water the seedlings;
• for hardening, 2 weeks before transplanting, the seedlings are taken out into the open air;
• The sprouts are planted in May at a distance of 50 cm from each other.

Soil that contains:

• sand;
• peat;
• turf land.

It is also convenient to grow African chamomile seeds in peat tablets.

Important! There is no need to soak the seeds before planting. This can lead to putrefactive processes inside the grain.

Growing osteospermum from cuttings

Reproduction by cuttings is carried out according to the following scheme:

• in March, an adult plant is pruned apical stalk about 7 cm long;
• remove the lower leaves on it;
• update the cut using a sharp knife;
• place the cuttings in moist soil;
• place a plastic bottle above the stem;
• place containers with cuttings on a well-lit windowsill;
• periodically ventilate and moisten the soil.

The first roots will appear approximately 10–12 days after planting the cuttings.

As a soil for planting, it is better to use a composition of sand with vermiculite or hydrogel with sphagnum moss.

Flower care

Osteospermum – relatively unpretentious flower. Agricultural technology for its cultivation includes several important points:

• landing;
• watering;
• feeding and pinching;
• preparation for wintering.

To plant Cape chamomile, it is better to choose a well-lit area with fertile, loose soil.

The landing itself takes place in several stages:

• dig up the plot of land;
• dig a hole;
• plant a plant;
• lightly compact the earth around it;
• water.

Despite its drought resistance, the crop requires regular moderate watering. This is necessary to maintain abundant flowering.

Many novice gardeners wonder whether it is necessary to pinch out Osteospermum. Experts with many years of experience actually recommend using the pinching method. apical shoots plants to stimulate branching.

For long-lasting abundant flowering, professionals also advise applying fertilizer to the plants. This procedure must be carried out 3 times per season:

• 2 weeks after planting in a permanent place;
• during budding;
• at the end of the summer season.

For the same purpose, it is advisable to remove dried inflorescences.

In areas with more severe climatic conditions the plant will die in winter.

To avoid this, you must:

• dig up bushes;
• place it in a large container;
• store in a cool room;
• moisturize occasionally earthen lump plants.

In spring, the shrub can be planted in its place.

Wintering of osteospermum:

Diseases and pests

Cape chamomile has a high degree of resistance to various diseases and exposure to pests.

Only occasionally, when the soil is overly moist, can the plant suffer from root rot. To eliminate the problem, the shrub is treated with fungicides.

Of the insects, only aphids can be interested in African chamomile (and only when there is nothing else to “eat” on the site). If the leaves on the plant turn yellow and fall off, this is sure sign presence of this pest. To combat aphids, the bush is sprayed with insecticides.

Where can I buy?

You can buy Osteospermum seedlings and seeds in online stores:

Everyone can choose the ideal option for themselves.

Osteospermum in the photo:

Osteospermum is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa. A perennial subshrub with a strongly branched stem and many daisy-like flowers is called the “Cape daisy”. The height of the bush can be up to half a meter, it looks very decorative even before flowering, and when covered with flowers it looks simply amazing.

This plant has become known throughout the world only in recent decades, but those who began to grow it remain constant adherents of osteospermum.

Osteospermum is sometimes confused with. The plants are similar, close relatives, and this is also facilitated by the fact that some manufacturers sell Dimorphotheca seeds under the name. It is officially considered that Osteospermum is a perennial plant, and all species are annual - Dimorphotheca.

In our country, osteospermum is usually grown from seeds, as an annual plant, and therefore we do not notice much difference between genera. But the producers of these plants claim that all osteospermum hybrids bloom more abundantly, are more hardy, and adapt more easily to unfavorable conditions and can be propagated by cuttings without any problems.

The leaves of osteospermum are obovate, numerous, dense, serrated along the edges. Their color is most often bright green, but in some species the leaves are variegated or grayish-green. When damaged, the leaves have a specific smell.

The flower is a basket-shaped inflorescence with a diameter of about 5 cm, similar to a chamomile. It opens fully only in sunny weather. The color is very diverse, there are white, pink, purple, red, yellow, orange flowers. Sometimes the color is darker at the edges and lighter in the middle. In an inflorescence, the marginal reed flowers form seeds, and the central tubular flowers of the inflorescence are sterile, although in many flowers the opposite is usually the case.

There are varieties that are distinguished by the amazing shape of their reed flowers, the so-called Spooned osteospermum. The varieties "Whirligig" and "Pink Whirls" are popular, and there are many others.

Use of osteospermum in garden design

"Cape chamomile" is grown on the most different flower beds. It looks equally good in group plantings and in combination with rudbeckias, gazanias, cosmos, tall species Tagetes.

Osteospermum is well suited for growing in containers. It's better to use for this dwarf varieties, but can also be formed beautiful bush simply pinching out the growing shoots.

Reproduction and cultivation of osteospermum

Location and landing. Osteospermum prefers sunny places. He adapts well to different conditions, but almost does not bloom in the shade. The bushes grow quite widely and grow well, so the distance between plants is usually recommended at 40-50cm, although this greatly depends on the variety.

Soil and watering. "Cape chamomile" needs loose, fertile soil. Water abundantly in the summer heat and after transplanting; the rest of the time it does not need watering. It is also useful to feed the plant once a week. complex fertilizer for the formation of new flowers.

Wintering. Osteospermum can overwinter in mild climates; many varieties can withstand temperatures down to minus 10 degrees. You can also keep the mother plant in a cool room until spring, after which you do not transplant it to the flower garden, but propagate it by cuttings to rejuvenate it.

Reproduction. Usually propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil in May. Flowering in this case will be quite late, in August. By sowing seeds in pots at the end of March, you can get flowering plants at the end of June. Osteospermum seeds are large, shoots appear quite quickly and uniformly. Seedlings should be kept at moderate temperatures. At seed propagation It is recommended to pinch the shoots early so that the plant bushes. It is better to sow not in seedling boxes, but in pots, so that the roots are not injured.