Osteospermum, or African chamomile, is an ornamental, long-flowering plant intended for decorating flower beds, balconies and loggias. The flower has gained great popularity among Russian flower growers for its unpretentiousness, beauty, and duration of flowering. Osteospermum is grown from seeds using the seedling method. To grow a beautifully flowering plant, it is important to know the sowing time and follow agrotechnical rules.
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How to determine the time of sowing Osteospermum?
In order for Osteospermum to bloom in June, the seeds are sown in late March early April. Sowing too early leads to stretched seedlings and poor survival; late sowing can lead to a lack of flowering.
Before sowing seeds, it is necessary to calculate the time of transplanting young seedlings into open ground. Osteospermum is planted in a permanent place when the night spring frosts stop and the daytime temperature remains within +10° C.
We create favorable conditions for the growth of seedlings
Caring for emerging seedlings is an important point for the gardener. The main thing here is to follow the watering rules, apply fertilizers in a timely manner, and do not forget about hardening. At the same time, overdoing it means destroying your work.
Watering
Water is supplied in doses so that the soil is only slightly moistened. Stagnation of liquid leads to rotting of the root.
Ventilation
The aeration procedure begins 2 days after sowing. During the first three days, it is allowed to slightly open the container with osteospermum for 3-5 minutes to remove condensation.
Osteospermum varieties, which one is better to choose?
Osteospermum belongs to the Asteraceae family and has a large number of varieties that differ in color and flower shape. Popular varieties:
- Buttermilk is a plant with pale golden inflorescences and olive leaves.
- Silver sparkler - snow-white inflorescences are in perfect harmony with variegated foliage.
- Congo - the plant blooms with pink-purple flowers. Flowering lasts from July to September.
- Zulu - thanks to its yellow inflorescences, the variety makes the garden plot bright and sunny.
- Sky and ice - sky-white inflorescences will diversify and embellish the flower garden.
- Volta is an unusual variety, since the color of the flower changes as it grows: from lilac-pink to snow-white.
- Sandy pink - in early July, the plant is covered with soft pink flowers with unusual spoon-shaped petals.
Botanical description
The osteospermum plant, reaching a height of 1 m, is an evergreen crop. 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.
Planting and caring for chamomile in the garden
Osteospermum is grown in flower beds, 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.
When to sow Osteospermum for seedlings in 2021 according to the lunar calendar?
In order for the seeds to germinate quickly and the osteospermum seedlings from seeds to be strong, it is important to choose the right time for cultivation according to the 2021 lunar calendar. In it you can find out the best time for sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings to a permanent place. During the waning moon, it is not a bad idea to plant plants that grow upward, so here we do not highlight these days separately.
Favorable days for sowing Osteospermum in 2021 depending on the month
The most suitable days for planting African chamomile for growing from seeds at home:
- January – 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27;
- February – 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26;
- March – 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27;
- April – 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26;
- May – 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
Bad days
Days on which astrologers do not recommend engaging in agricultural work:
- January – New Moon – 13, Full Moon – 28, Moon in Aquarius – 14, 15;
- February – New Moon – 11, Full Moon – 27;
- March – New Moon – 13, Full Moon – 28;
- April – New Moon – 12, Full Moon – 27;
- May – New Moon – 11, Full Moon – 26.
Diseases and pests
African daisies are not susceptible to disease or pests when maintained under appropriate growing conditions. If the soil is excessively dry, they can be attacked by spider mites and aphids. At the same time, the plant weakens, as pests suck the juice out of it. The affected bush begins to shed its leaves and slowly fades. To get rid of insects, it is necessary to treat the plant with acaricides (Aktaroy, Aktellik, Karbofos).
Also, if you keep a flower in a shaded place and water it abundantly, it will be affected by fungal diseases. The roots of the plant begin to rot and the shoots dry out. Therefore, it is advisable to grow osteospermum in a sunny place, and water it only when the surface of the plant’s soil dries well. The affected parts of the plant should be removed and treated with a fungicide.
If you liked the osteospermum flower in the photo, planting and caring for it at home will not take much of your time. But African chamomile will be an excellent decoration for your garden or balcony.
When to plant depending on the region?
African chamomile seeds
The days for sowing Osteospermum seeds are selected not only according to the Lunar calendar, but also taking into account climatic conditions. For each region, the time for growing seedlings is different and this must be taken into account.
In Moscow and Moscow region
In the Central region, Osteospermum seeds are sown in late March early April. The grown seedlings are transplanted to the selected area in early June for further cultivation.
In the middle zone
To get earlier flowering, in central Russia, seeds are sown in early April. In 2 months, the seedlings will get stronger and will be ready to move to a new place for growing before flowering.
In the Urals
Mid-April is the optimal time for sowing Osteospermum seeds. When transplanting seedlings in early June, the first flowers will appear in mid-July.
In Siberia
In Siberia, African chamomile seeds are planted for seedlings in the second half of April. Since night spring frosts in the region are observed in June, after moving the young plant to a permanent place, it is snatched with agrofibre or a plastic bottle.
In the Leningrad region
In the North-West, seed sowing begins on the 20th of April. If agrotechnical rules are observed, the first flowering occurs in mid-July.
Watering and fertilizing
It is better to choose liquid ready-made fertilizers; they are added to the water for irrigation at the rate of ¼ of the recommended amount. Asteraceae do not like an overabundance of microelements; they can get sick.
With insufficient watering, the inflorescence baskets become smaller. With excess moisture, root rot develops.
If you follow the basic rules of agricultural technology, the plant will delight you with flowers for a long period. The dense petals of African daisies do not lose their fresh appearance for a long time. The plant is suitable for gardening, city flower beds, and home cultivation.
Planting Osteospermum with seeds step by step
Growing African chamomile is not a difficult job, so a novice gardener can handle it. If you follow agrotechnical rules, you can grow a beautiful flower that will be a wonderful addition to your landscape design. Rules for planting seeds:
- The seed is buried in light, well-drained soil.
- The soil is shed with a spray bottle with warm, settled water.
- For rapid germination, cover the container with the crops with glass or polyethylene and put it in the warmest place.
- To prevent the appearance of fungus on the soil, the microgreenhouse is ventilated daily for 20 minutes.
- 7 days after germination, the shelter is removed and the temperature is lowered.
- To ensure that the plant does not stretch out and the bush turns out lush, pinch the top at the stage of 3-4 true leaves.
IMPORTANT! The seed germination temperature should not be lower than +20° C.
Seed preparation
The main requirement is that osteospermum seeds must be dry and cannot be soaked. Otherwise, seedlings and seedlings will not be able to fully develop. Wet seeds are more likely to rot.
Before planting, the planting material is covered with a damp cloth for 15-20 minutes.
To increase germination, the seed coat needs to be slightly damaged. This can be done in several ways - lightly prick, rub with sandpaper, cut with a knife. Damage to the shell or scarification will ensure maximum germination.
How to plant Osteospermum in peat tablets?
Young Osteospermum seedlings do not tolerate picking well, so experienced gardeners recommend planting the seeds in peat tablets. Before sowing, the tablets are filled with warm water. After they are enlarged, a seed is placed in the center and covered with soil. Cover the container with a transparent lid and put it in a warm place. After 3-4 true leaves appear, to obtain a strong root system, peat tablets are placed in plastic cups filled with nutrient soil.
How to care for Osteospermum seedlings, what are the tricks?
The further growth and health of the flowering bush depends on compliance with the rules of care. Care is as follows:
- watering;
- feeding;
- picking;
- hardening.
Osteospermum seeds have sprouted, what to do next?
Watering is carried out after the top layer of soil has dried, since excess water can cause rotting of the root system. Irrigation is carried out only with settled, warm water in the morning or evening hours.
How to feed Osteospermum seedlings?
Fertilizers are applied 14 days before planting seedlings in open ground. A mineral fertilizer complex intended for seedlings is suitable as a top dressing. In order not to harm the plant or burn the root system, fertilizers are diluted and applied strictly according to the instructions.
Rules for picking Osteospermum
If the seeds are planted in separate cups, picking is not carried out. When sown in a box, the seedlings are transplanted into separate containers 30 days after seed germination. Picking can be done in plastic cups no more than 10 cm high. In order not to damage the fragile roots, replanting is carried out using the transfer method.
Growing and caring for osteospermum
If you properly care for osteospermum, you will grow an unpretentious, attractive and pleasant flower.
Watering mode
Watering the plant is necessary regularly and moderately. Take only warm and settled water. Rainwater is also used. You should not forget about this, especially in hot weather or during drought. In winter, watering should be done so that the soil is not dry.
After each irrigation, it is recommended to remove all weeds and loosen the soil. This will help the bush have good immunity and receive all the necessary microelements and vitamins.
Plant nutrition
The plant should be fed three times during the season: in this way it will prolong flowering, and the open buds will acquire a rich, bright shade. The shoots should be fertilized for the first time three weeks after planting. The second feeding is carried out before flowering, when the buds are just beginning to set. And the third is held at the end of August. You can fertilize osteospermum with potassium nitrate or superphosphate, following the instructions. You can use special complex compositions for flowers.
Pruning inflorescences
In order for the bush to delight with its beauty throughout the warm season, it is recommended to systematically remove dry flowers. If this is not done, they will become an obstacle to the formation of new, healthy buds.
When to plant seedlings in open ground?
Fortified seedlings are planted in open ground in late May early June. It all depends on the region and weather conditions. In regions with an unstable climate, the seedling is covered with agrofibre or non-woven material.
IMPORTANT! The landing site should be well heated and protected from gusty winds.
Landing rules:
- At the selected location, holes measuring 30x30 are made.
- A drainage layer (broken brick, pebbles or expanded clay) is placed at the bottom.
- Nutrient soil is poured over the drainage.
- The bushes are planted at a distance of 25 cm from each other, sprinkled with soil and watered generously.
- After planting, the area is mulched. Straw, sawdust, and hay are used as mulch. Mulch will retain moisture, act as an additional fertilizer, and stop the growth of weeds.
Osteospermum plant: characteristics and types
The plant is often called African chamomile. Osteospermum is presented in the form of a decomposed bush. The branches are erect, abundantly covered with foliage. They are oval, long, gray or green.
The shade of the flowers is affected by the planting location and the amount of light.
When open, the buds are double inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter. Flowers are divided into outer and central. The side ones are often purple and white, and the central ones are blue or light blue.
The inflorescences do not lose their attractiveness for about 5 days, and when they fade, fresh buds appear in their place. Therefore, osteospermum blooms for a long time. With proper care and favorable weather conditions, flowering continues until mid-October.
The buds open only in clear weather, closer to noon, and close immediately after sunset. On rainy and cloudy days you won’t be able to see the beauty of the inflorescences. Thanks to this, the pollen is protected from wind, rain and night dew.
The least common varieties are those whose flowers have warm shades (yellow, orange, red).
Main types:
- Osteospermum Passion blooms in a lilac or pink shade. The diameter of the opened bud is about 4.5 cm. Peshn grows small, so it is grown as a houseplant.
- Osteospermum Cool. The annual plant is presented in the form of a small bush. The flower is not unpretentious to weather conditions. It tolerates high and low temperatures well. The flowers are daisy-shaped and 7 cm in diameter.
- Osteospermum Asti. Small bushes with medium flowers (5 cm in diameter). The plant is resistant to drought, wind, heat, and slight frost. Flowering is quite abundant and continues until the end of November.
- In our region, ampelous osteospermum is quite popular. You can grow the flower as a houseplant in jugs or pots. The species loves the sun very much, and if the bush is planted in an open area, it will bloom profusely and for a long time.
- Osteospermum Akila Parple. The species is frost resistant. Features bright purple flowers.
- Osteospermum Accord. This is an annual, fairly tall plant. The diameter of the daisies is 4.5 cm. The buds have a blue center and a white edge. Flowering continues from early summer until late autumn.
Answers to frequently asked questions
To grow a healthy and beautiful plant, it is important to listen to the advice of experts and follow simple agricultural rules.
What soil should I buy for growing seedlings?
Soil for sowing seeds can be purchased at a specialized store, or you can mix it yourself. Nutrient soil is prepared from sand, humus, deciduous substrate, garden soil and humus taken in equal proportions. If desired, you can add a mineral fertilizer complex and wood ash to the prepared soil.
Important! Before use, the soil is spilled with boiling water, a solution of potassium permanganate, or pierced for several minutes in the oven.
How can you stimulate seeds for further growth?
For quick germination, seeds can be soaked in a growth stimulator for 10 minutes. For this use:
- Epin, Kornevin;
- boric acid;
- aloe juice;
- honey.
IMPORTANT! After processing, the seeds are washed and thoroughly dried.
Why don't the seeds germinate?
Since seeds rot from prolonged exposure to water, they must be dry during sowing. Often, for rapid germination, flower growers soak the seed for several minutes in a growth stimulator. After processing, the seeds are thoroughly dried and distributed over the soil surface.
Why are seeds soaked?
Osteospermum seeds are not soaked. Since a long stay in water reduces or completely eliminates germination.
How to harden Osteospermum seedlings?
Osteospermum is a cold-resistant crop, but in order for the young plant to quickly adapt to a new place, the growing seedlings are hardened off. When 2-3 true leaves appear, the temperature is lowered. To do this, the plant is placed under an open window or on a glazed balcony. You should start with 10-15 minutes, gradually extending the time spent outdoors. After 3 weeks of hardening, the young seedling is ready to move to a new location.
What to do if Osteospermum seedlings do not grow?
If the seedlings grow and develop poorly, they are fed with mineral fertilizers. Fertilizing is applied only after watering, in the morning or evening. For rapid growth, experienced gardeners recommend pinching the top.
3.Varieties:
3.1. Noticeable osteospermum - Osteospermum jucundum
Abundantly flowering, low-growing, hardy, perennial plants, the height of which often does not exceed 15 cm. Tall varieties can reach 90 cm in height. Stems are erect and strong. The leaves are lanceolate, gray-green, and when damaged they emit a specific odor. The edges of the leaf plates can be either entire or have small denticles. Flower baskets are most often painted in shades of white, pink or lilac. There are plants with yellow baskets. The flowers reach 5–6 cm in diameter. Flowering begins in May and may end in mid-summer.
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3.2. Shrub osteospermum - Osteospermum fruticosum
Plants of this variety are distinguished by abundant and long-lasting flowering, as well as great resistance to stress - the bushes are easily grown in polluted spaces and can withstand serious temperature fluctuations. These herbaceous perennials grow up to 45 - 60 cm.
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