How to grow osteospermum from seed

In this guide we will learn how to grow Osteospermum from seed. We will update the article with the results over time until the mature plant and flowers are produced.

Osteospermum, also known as African daisy or Cape daisy, is an excellent choice for your flower beds and pots.
From summer to autumn, they produce colorful and long-lasting flowers that no one is indifferent to.

As they are plants sensitive to frost and low temperatures, in colder regions they are cultivated as annual plants.

osteospermum flowers - african daisy or cape daisy - www.dearplants.com — Osteospermum flowers – african daisy or cape daisy

In this article

Where to buy seeds

These seeds were bought in a supermarket (Lidl), but you can get them from garden centers or online.

Packet of osteospermum seeds - african daisies or cape daisies - www.dearplants.com — Packet of osteospermum seeds – african daisies or cape daisies

Growing from seed is a very economical way to get plants for your garden. You will be able to get dozens of plants from a small packet of seeds.

When to sow

The best time to sow osteospermum is early spring. They should be sown and protected, when they are big enough, planted in small pots and allowed to grow before planting outside.

Prepare the seed tray

The first step is to prepare the seed tray. I fill the tray with generic germination compost.

Fill the seed tray with germination compost - www.dearplants.com — Fill the seed tray with germination compost

When sowing, we must pay great attention to the drainage of the soil used so that the small plants do not rot during germination.

Sow osteospermum

Carefully remove the seeds from the package. We managed to handle them individually.

Seeds of osteospermum - african daisies or cape daisies - www.dearplants.com — Seeds of osteospermum – african daisies or cape daisies

Then, with the help of a chopstick, I place each seed in its compartment. I insert the seed slightly into the compost, not very deeply.

Sowing osteospermum seeds - african daisies or cape daisies - www.dearplants.com — Sowing osteospermum seeds – african daisies or cape daisies

Another alternative is to sow in a non-modular tray, disperse the seeds evenly and then cover lightly with compost.

Watering

I water the seeds carefully so as not to disturb them. The most correct way to water the seed trays (which I didn’t use here) is by immersion.
Where the tray is placed with the bottom in the water so that it is slowly absorbed from the bottom up.

Finally, I cover the tray with a plastic cover and place it in a bright place with no direct sunlight. Germination should occur over the next few days.