Osteospermum: choose an annual or perennial crop. Cape chamomile osteospermum - an unpretentious plant for the garden

CHEAT SHEET REMINDER. WE FERTILIZE AND FEED ONIONS AND GARLIC ONIONS. Do not apply fresh manure to the onions, otherwise growth will be delayed and the formation of leaves will not stop for a long time. The bulb forms late and ripens poorly, is more susceptible to neck rot, and is poorly stored. Onions respond well to the application of mineral fertilizers. However, its root system is sensitive to increased concentration salts, so it is better to add them in small portions 2-3 times. Immediately after the emergence of nigella seedlings, the crops need to be fed with nitrogen fertilizers at the rate of 10-15 g/m2. When 1-2 true leaves are formed, the first thinning is carried out, leaving 1.5-2 cm between plants. At the same time, weak plants are removed. After the appearance of 3-4 true leaves, thinning is repeated to the final distance - 5-7 cm. After the second thinning, fertilizing with full mineral fertilizer is necessary, preferably in liquid form. A good effect is obtained by fertilizing with slurry diluted with water 5-6 times, or bird droppings, diluted 10-15 times. Add 30-40 g of superphosphate to a bucket of water. 3-4 buckets of solution are used per 10 m. A month before harvesting, watering is stopped. The last feeding with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers is carried out during the formation of the bulb; 150 g of potassium salt and 200 g of superphosphate are added per 10 m2. When growing onions on heavy soil, rapid formation and maturation is facilitated by unhilling of plants. In this case, be careful not to damage root system, the soil is raked away from the bulbs. When sowing seeds in early spring, onions are ready for harvesting in late August-early September. In some years, due to unfavorable weather conditions, it does not have time to ripen by this time. To speed up ripening, plants are dug up, damaging the root system and disrupting the connection with the soil. After 2-4 days, depending on the weather, the bulbs are removed and laid out to dry along with the leaves. Due to the outflow of plastic substances, the ripening process occurs and bulbs suitable for storage are formed. Sometimes rolling or crushing leaves is used to speed up the ripening of bulbs. However, this technique is harmful to the crop, since the plants are damaged and pathogenic organisms penetrate into the bulbs through the resulting gaps. In addition, rolling does not stop growth, and plants continue to grow with a broken stem. FROM SEVK. When the feather reaches a height of 10 cm, they begin to treat the plants against diseases (phytosporin - every 2 weeks). When the feather reaches a height of 8-10 cm, carry out the first feeding: for 10 liters of water - 1 cup of mushy mullein, 1 tbsp. spoon of urea, per 1 m2 - 2-3 liters of solution. The second feeding is 12-15 days after the first. For 10 liters of water - 2 tbsp. spoons of nitroammophoska, per 1 m2 - 5 liters of solution. Third - when the bulb reaches size walnut. For 10 liters of water - 2 tbsp. spoons of superphosphate, per 1 m2 - 5 liters of solution. Measures to combat onion fly. Onions are placed next to carrots. The specific smell of carrots repels onion fly, and onion phytoncides - carrot fly. Dissolve 1 glass in 10 liters of water table salt, watering can be used to water the onion beds, trying not to get them on the feathers. The first time this is done when the feather reaches 5 cm, after 20 days the watering is repeated. When a fly appears, sprinkle the soil with a repellent substance: 100 g wood ash, or 1 tbsp. spoon tobacco dust, or 1 teaspoon ground pepper per 1 m2 (2 times with an interval of 10-18 days). Measures to combat peronosporosis (false powdery mildew). The onion bed should have a direction from north to south and be well lit by the sun. Crops and plantings should not be thickened. Before planting, the seedlings are warmed up. Feathers at a height of 10-12 cm are sprayed with a solution of copper oxychloride, and every 2 weeks they are sprayed with phytosporin. LEEK. The first feeding is when 5-6 true leaves appear, the second - a month after the first. For 10 liters of water - 0.5 liters of mullein, 1 teaspoon each of urea, potassium sulfate and superphosphate. For 1 m2 - 3-4 liters of solution. Once a week, before hilling, add ash - 1 cup per 1 m2. GARLIC As soon as the garlic leaves appear from the ground, the plantings are fed nitrogen fertilizer. To do this, dissolve 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. a spoonful of urea, 10 l - per 1 m2. When the garlic leaves reach a height of 10-15 cm, remove the soil from the bulb, sprinkle it with ash and return the soil to its place. This operation is repeated when arrows appear. When removing the garlic arrows, leave a few pieces. You can easily determine from them optimal time harvesting. As soon as the wrapper on the heads cracks and the bulbs begin to peek out, it’s time to dig the garlic. For your health planting material It is recommended to regularly rejuvenate the cultivated variety by sowing aerial bulbs. In the first year of cultivation, they form single-toothed ones. They are planted in the fall and the following year they receive normal multi-toothed bulbs.

Last year I tried to grow osteospermum. One seedling survived.
I even thought that the game wasn’t worth the candle. So much trouble, and only one bush. Not to my mind or heart.
But now it has bloomed! And I realized that I would try again. I will definitely repeat it!

The daisy-like flower struck me with a blue, very blue core. White daisy with a blue center! It is beautiful! Very.

My seeds are from last year (I always sow not all the seeds, but some), which means they are not very fresh, which means I need to try to grow them.
The photo on the right is the same seeds that I have.
In fact, all the seeds sprouted. But then they died. Probably the black leg that often haunts me.
The photo below shows the first blooming flower of my osteospermum.


So THEORY.

DESCRIPTION

Osteospermum, Cape daisy - Osteospermum ecklonis

A perennial subshrub or shrub up to 1 m high, native to the Cape region of South Africa, a close relative of the annual dimorphotheca.
IN middle lane Russia is grown as an annual, but can overwinter in bright, cool rooms.
Osteospermum belongs to the Asteraceae family. This genus includes 70 species of heat-loving annual and perennial subshrubs or shrubs originating from South Africa.
Osteospermum flower color can range from deep dark purple to pink, bright orange and pure white. What unites these different colors is their bright blue center interspersed with small orange-red dots. The leaves of the plant are dense, but not brittle, of a juicy green color.
Chamomile-shaped inflorescences with a diameter of 4-5 cm with white reed flowers and a blue center bloom from June to October.
Osteospermum is grown through seeds or cuttings. If the variety is valuable and it is important to preserve all its properties, then it is better to choose cuttings. And if you don’t go into the intricacies of selection, then growing from seeds is simple and easy way, giving excellent results.

PECULIARITIES

• Location: They grow well in warm sunny areas and do not lose their decorative properties in bad weather.
• The soil: needs loose, fertile soil
• Care: When planting osteospermum in containers, you must carefully ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. Plants should be fed from time to time, as this promotes longer flowering.
• Usage: Cape daisy is grown in flower beds, in flowerpots and tubs on terraces and patios.
• Overwinters in bright, cold (but not freezing) rooms with minimal watering.

LANDING. GROWING SEEDLINGS

To get a flowering plant in June, it is advisable to plant seeds in the second half of March or early April.
The seeds of osteospermum are quite large, they germinate well and quickly, so you can plant them immediately in pots, avoiding the picking stage, which poses a risk of damage to the root system.
The soil should be loose. It is best if it is a mixture of humus, turf soil and sand.
Plant the seeds dry.
The seeds are deepened into the ground 0.5 cm and covered with earth. The container with future seedlings must be moved to a bright place and the air temperature must be about 20 °C. By providing regular moderate watering, you can see the first shoots within a week.
Plant in the garden permanent place possible at the end of May. After planting, water the bush in the morning and evening for at least three days for better rooting.

Despite the high cold resistance of the plant, it is advisable to harden the growing seedlings. When real leaves appear, you should lower the temperature for a short period by opening a window or balcony frame. You can start with 10 - 15 minutes, gradually increasing the time interval and lowering the temperature to 12 °C.

CUTTINGS

If you decide to get a plant from a cutting, then you need to start propagation wisely. Cuttings are usually taken from the tops of plants in January or February. Root at a temperature of 18 – 20 °C for about a month. Then they are transplanted into pots and grown in the same way as seedlings from seeds.

Gardener's advice:

If you grew osteospermum and kept it indoors over the winter, then in the spring you can take cuttings from this plant, thereby obtaining even more beautiful, unpretentious annuals.

Cut with a wallpaper knife or paper cutter with a sharp blade.

Cut the tops into 5-7 cm pieces.

Remove the lower leaves.

Plant in a moist substrate or moss with hydrogel. You can use perlite or vermiculite.

Build a mini-greenhouse and place it in a warm, bright place.

In just 10 days you will see which cuttings will take root and which will not.

SOURCES

Osteospermum is a flowering plant belonging to the calendula genus, one of the smaller sunflower genera - the daisy family Asteraceae. Osteospermum flowers are known in our country as African yellow daisy (daisybushes) or African daisy and are very similar to pansies.

Familiar flower beds in our urban jungle with bright colors, similar to daisies, do not even give reason to suspect what is growing on them exotic plant. The guest from South Africa has adapted well to our climate. The diversity is amazing - there are more than 60 species belonging to the aster family.

When osteospermum first appeared on the horticultural market, the choice consisted of several flowers, with the main color scheme white and peach. But even with limited color choices, their vibrant blue-violet hearts have made them a popular gardener's choice.

With the advent of more colorful combinations, propagation of osteospermum has made it possible to encircle flower beds with a variety of new flowers with unlimited choice. IN summer season Osteospermum is one of the hottest offerings on the market.

General characteristics of Osteospermum

Osteospermum forms lush bushes With big amount flowers, appearance, reminiscent of daisies. For external similarity with the domestic garden chamomile it was called "Cape daisy". The height of the stem is 30 cm, the diameter of the flower is 5 cm. Through the efforts of breeders, varieties have been developed in which the stem grows up to 75 cm with a flower diameter of 9 cm.

Such plants have not yet reached our latitudes; they grow only in European countries. Flower shades range from white to dark purple. Pink and orange colors are common. The center of the flower has a rich color, the most common colors are orange, white, and deep pink. It is not capricious in care, the flowering period lasts all summer.

Inexperienced gardeners confuse osteospermum and dimorphotheca. Indeed, visually they are very similar. The main difference is the life span of the plant. Dimorphotheca is an annual, and osteospermum will delight with its flowering for several years.

Variety of varieties and types

Gardeners liked the osteospermum eklona the most. A large bush covered with flowers grows on a powerful central stem. Its only drawback is that it does not tolerate frost well. It became the base species on the basis of which new varieties were developed.

The main difference between the varieties lies in the shape of the petals and color. Buttermilk flaunts pale - yellow flowers against a background of emerald leaves. Silver sparkler pleases delicate flowers milky white.

Congo is different pink - purple tint, and Volta changes the color of the flower depending on the growth phase, gradually lighter to almost white.

New innovations create colorful osteospermum combinations

Sandy Pink has unusual shape flower petals, as if glued in the middle. Yet there is one thing that unites all varieties and types of osteospermum; they all emit a pungent odor when the stems and leaves are damaged.

Osteospermum "White Spider Flower Power" - demonstrates the abundance of chamomile flowers with unique petals of an original shape. The plant will grow up to 35 cm tall. Osteospermum 'Mara' produces large flowers with apricot-yellow petals that mingle with a beautiful, soft, pink center. This compact choice will grow up to 25cm.

Osteospermum ampelous the most heat-loving species of the family. It has to be hidden from frost in a bright place and provided rare watering. It takes root well in pots on window sills, and in summer in hanging balcony flower beds. Osteospermum ampelous looks amazing in the photo, but in life, on your loggia, it will look even better!

Osteospermum “Coolness” – It blooms until frost, not afraid of harsh winds and heat. The disadvantage is that it is annual.

Osteospermum “Mix” – It is characterized as a perennial, but in practice it does not withstand harsh Russian winters.

Since this is a group of plants that is fairly new to the gardening industry, more and more are being bred and born every year. interesting varieties. Research is being carried out to create flowers with longer flowering. There are even species of osteospermum whose flowers remain open all day and night.

In addition, the central disks of osteospermum flowers have been redesigned to hold color longer, be denser, and create a three-dimensional effect. Hybrid experiments continues and new colors of osteospermum are constantly entering the market to the consumer.

Osteospermum "Sunny Darkness of Florence". Brings an orange mood with flowers 30 cm high. Osteospermum "Zion Plum". This strong plant with blue-violet flowers pleases in spring and autumn. It grows 30 cm in height.

Osteospermum cession- most likely everything is dimorphotheca. It is an annual plant, has a small stem height, and feels great as a potted plant.

Subtleties of growing and caring for osteospermum

The principles of care for all varieties are very similar. He loves well-loosened fluffy soil and good lighting. You can plant a flower in a shady corner, but the volume of flowering will be much more modest.

Fertilizers are applied before planting the flower and added regularly. In this case, the plant will bloom long and profusely, regardless of where it is located, in a pot or in open ground. The bush should be pinched 2–3 times a season, and dried flowers and leaves should be removed regularly.

Growing osteosperm from seeds

If the goal is not to plant only varietal flowers, but you just want to decorate a flowerbed or balcony, then you can grow osteospermum from a seed yourself. It is not difficult to obtain osteospermum flowers by growing them from seeds at home, just dip it in soil mixture for flowers or peat tablet about 5 mm deep, water and place on the sunny side.

The seeds germinate in about a week. After the sprout hatches, you need to move it to a cooler place. Before disembarking at open ground The osteospermum is taken outside for several days to harden, and in the last days of May it can be completely moved into the flowerbed. Plant the shoots in a flowerbed, taking into account the distance between the bushes, keeping a distance of at least 20 - 30 cm.

In order to preserve a flower in the cold season, you need to transplant it into a pot or other suitable container and bring it into a cool room with diffused light. During wintering, watering osteospermum should be minimal.

Seeds need to be looked for on the outside of the reeds, they are formed there. Special conditions They do not require storage and will lie quietly together with the seeds of cucumbers and beets until spring in a cool, dark place.

Seedlings by cuttings

At the end of winter, use a sharp garden knife to separate several cuttings from the upper part of the plant and place them in cups of water until the first roots form. Then transfer to small pots with humus or peat mixed with a portion of sand.

Some experts advise immediately placing fresh osteosperm cuttings in moss with hydrogel or raw peat.

Modern varieties of osteospermum grow continuously, especially when they are well watered and fertilized. If you planted cuttings in a container, you must prevent the soil from drying out completely. If they do this, the plants will go into "dormant mode" and experience a period of drought, but also, they will break off their flower buds and it will not be easy to get their flower back.

In addition, the roots of osteospermum are relatively susceptible to rotting. The plant may die if it is watered too much after a dry period.

Little secrets of a successful landing

Ideally, osteospermum prefers a space that is not saturated with sun - the more sun you can give the plant, the better it will bloom. Osteospermum prefers evenly moist, well-drained soils. But be careful, the soil is too wet - the right way harm or even kill osteospermus.

Once they gain strength, they become quite drought tolerant. Remove all spoiled flowers and fertilize regularly. In this case, osteospermum will thank you with cheerful flowering and will look charming throughout the summer.

1. Despite the fact that the seeds are large and hard, it is better not to soak them, since osteospermum does not like excess moisture.

2. Hatched seedlings need to be moved closer to the sun.

3. Transplantation is carried out in the phase of 2 - 3 true leaves with penetration into the soil.

4. The first pinching is carried out when picking, then the bush will form more magnificently.

5. It is better to dry out the osteospermum a little than to create excess moisture.

6. If the bush is very lush and does not hold its shape, you can carefully tie it up without pulling the stems.

The plant is unpretentious, the rules of care are quite simple and understandable. The main varieties are hardy to cold zones, but are best grown in temperate climates. In many cases, plants will take a break from flowering during the hot summer until cool nights return in the fall.

List of diseases and pests

Osteospermum is a gardener's dream when it comes to pests. They just don’t see it and don’t want to eat it. Diseases also bypass the “Cape chamomile”, practically without damaging the leaves and inflorescences.

One common pest you may see on osteosperms is thrips, which is extremely rare in our latitudes. These are long green beetles that love flower pollen and use their sharp mouthparts to scrape nectar from petals. Their actions cause damage to the kidneys and slow growth.

Fortunately, within growing season there are many others beneficial insects that will keep these pests under control.

Osteospermum ( african daisy, Cape daisy) - in the natural environment it is a perennial herbaceous plant, shrub, subshrub. In cold and temperate climate zones it is cultivated as a single or biennial plant. Belongs to the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa, the Arabian Peninsula.

Botanical description

The stems are erect, less often creeping. The height of the plant is about 30 cm, varieties up to 75 cm in height have been bred. The leaf blades are dense, ovoid, oblong, with smooth or jagged edges. The stems and leaves may be bright green or grayish in color.

Delicate inflorescences look like daisies. The core can have a blue, blue, smoky black color. Color of petals (reed inflorescences): white, various shades purple, pink, yellow, orange, blue. Their shape is oblong with pointed tips, but the so-called spoon osteospermum are bred: the shape of the ligulate inflorescence resembles a spoon.

The diameter of the inflorescence is 3-8 cm, they are simple; breeders have bred double and semi-double. It blooms almost throughout the summer, and if the weather is favorable, it can bloom until October. Each inflorescence lives for about 5 days, they continuously replace each other. Flowers open in clear weather.

Variety of shades, long flowering, ease of care contribute to the popularity of osteospermum.

Growing osteosperm from seeds at home

The plant successfully propagates by seeds: they remain viable for up to 4 years, friendly shoots appear 7-10 days after sowing. Propagates well by self-sowing.

Seeds are sown in open ground in April. None Preliminary processing no seeds required.

When to plant osteospermum seedlings

To get more viable plants that bloom earlier, you should grow seedlings.

• Sowing osteospermum seeds for seedlings in early March.
• It is better to sow one or two seeds at a time in separate pots - the seeds will definitely sprout and you will not have to replant in between.
• If there is no opportunity or there is a lot of space, you can sow the seeds in a common container at a distance of 3-5 cm from each other, and then carefully transplant them into separate cups.
• To grow seedlings, you need loose soil (a mixture of humus, turf soil and sand).
• Simply press the seeds shallowly into the soil.
• Maintain the air temperature at 20 °C, diffused lighting is needed.

• With the appearance of 5-6 true leaves, pinch the tops to stimulate the forcing of side shoots and good bushiness.
• Harden the seedlings by gradually lowering the temperature to +12 °C. You can simply take it out onto the balcony for a short time at first, and then increase the time you spend outside.

As soon as the threat of frost subsides, transplant the seedlings into open ground.

The video will tell you how to plant osteospermum seeds for seedlings:

Hardened seedlings planted using the transshipment method practically do not get sick and take root immediately, especially with careful care. Don’t be too zealous and flood the plants: just keep the soil slightly moist.

Propagation of osteospermum by cuttings

To preserve varietal characteristics, propagation by cuttings is used. This method is suitable for plants that have been moved indoors for the winter.

• In February, select a shoot that has not bloomed and cut it apical stalk, the cut should pass under the node.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom and plant the cutting to root.
• The soil is a mixture of peat, sand and perlite.
• Cover with a cut jar plastic bottle or film.
• Rooting lasts about a month. Ventilate and moisten the soil regularly.
• With the onset of warm weather, transplant the rooted cuttings into open ground.

Planting in open ground

The best place for planting will be an open sunny area, perhaps light shading.

The soil required is loose, moderately fertile, permeable, neutral or slightly acidic.

• Dig up the area, loosen the soil and let it settle.
• The plants are rolled along with the earthen lump - the hole must correspond to this size.
• Keep a distance of 30-40 cm between bushes.
• Press down the surface of the soil around the seedling a little and water well.

How to care for osteospermum in the garden

Osteospermum Sky and ice - blue-eyed daisy photo

Watering

The plant is drought-resistant, but requires moderate watering to maintain abundant flowering. Avoid overwatering; water only when there is severe drought.

Pinching and feeding

• Pinch the tips of the shoots to encourage branching.
• Feed three times a season: a couple of weeks after planting in open ground, then during bud setting and at the end of summer. Use complex mineral fertilizers For flowering plants.
• Constantly remove wilted inflorescences.

Wintering

Osteospermum winters in open ground only in regions with warm winters(maximum temperature drop to - 10 °C). For successful wintering It is necessary to cover the plants with dry leaves in the fall.

If the temperature in your region drops below -10°C, the plants will die, but to preserve them until spring and propagate them by cuttings, you can dig up the bushes and keep them in a cool room. Carefully dig up the bush without disturbing the earthen coma and place it in a wide container. Keep at low air temperatures, water occasionally. In spring, replant into open ground again.

Diseases and pests

Overmoistening of the soil may cause rot damage - remove the affected areas, treat with a fungicide, and adjust watering.

Possible damage to aphids - treat the plant with an insecticide.

Types and varieties of osteospermum with photos and names

There are more than 70 species, many species, varieties, and hybrid forms are cultivated.

Osteospermum ecklonis

It is grown as an annual crop. The shrub is highly branched, erect stems stretch up to 1 m, the leaves are narrow with jagged edges. The core of the inflorescence has a red-violet hue, the petals are white, and pink veins run along the lower part.

Varieties:

Osteospermum Eklona Osteospermum ‘Sunny Philip’ photo

Zulu - inflorescences of a bright yellow hue.

Bambe - the color of the inflorescence varies from white to purple.

Sky and ice are the core of blue color, petals are snow-white.

Volta - pinkish petals turn white as they bloom.

Buttermilk - bright yellow petals turn white as they bloom.

Silver Sparkler - white inflorescences.

Congo - purple-pink inflorescences.

Pemba - reed inflorescences are twisted halfway into a tube.

Sandy Pink - spoon-shaped pink petals.

Sterry Ice - the ligulate inflorescence is folded in half lengthwise, the inner part is white, the outer is gray-blue.

Peshn is a hybrid series of this species. Here it is worth noting the varieties Pink Lace, Gnome Salmon, notable for the spoon-like shape of the reed inflorescences.

Osteospermum noticeable Osteospermum jucundum

The color of the petals is white, purple, the reverse side may have a lilac-violet tone.

Varieties:

Buttermilk is a plant up to half a meter high. The color of the petals is pale yellow, their reverse side acquires a bronze tint.

Lady Leitrim - the core is almost black, the petals are light lilac.

Bengal fire - inner side The reed inflorescence is white, and the outer one is blue.

Bush osteospermum Osteospermum fruticosum

It has the shape of a compact bush. The color of the reed inflorescences is white, pale lilac, red.

The best varieties of osteospermum with photos and names

The Akila variety has many shades from white and pink to burgundy and dark purple. Looks beautiful in mixed plantings.

The Passion variety is also excellent in mixed beds; its compact, low bushes with powerful, erect stems are densely dotted beautiful flowers with neatly outlined petals, on which longitudinal volumetric stripes are clearly visible.

It is impossible not to admire the white daisies with blue centers, along which rare yellow spots of stamens are scattered. This is a unique Ice White variety.

Osteospermum Sunny Philip Osteospermum ‘Sunny Philip’ photo

The stunning variety Sunny Philip really resembles small suns with radial rays. The tips of the petals seem to be pinched, curled into tubes.

The Impassion variety has a special shape of petals; the flowers look very neat, as if stamped, alike.

Terry variety Double Parple With tubular central petals, it is somewhat reminiscent of a chrysanthemum.

Another amazing one terry variety 3D with several rows of petals crowned by a central tubular center. The color is rich, the lower petals are oval-elongated, the middle petals are slightly shortened and dissected at the tips.

Osteospermum in landscape design

Low-growing species are planted as ground cover plants. They are also good in pots to decorate balconies, terraces, and verandas.

Osteospermum will become a bright accent in any flower bed, looks good in rocky gardens, frame ridges, plant in groups in mixborders.

Cuff, geranium, cinquefoil.

Osteospermum – herbaceous plant with large flowers. Its homeland is the Cape Valley on the African continent, so the plants are often called “Cape daisy” or “African daisy”. The flower belongs to the Asteraceae family and blooms beautiful pink-lilac baskets with a blue-black or purple center. Thanks to long and abundant flowering Osteospermum is a welcome guest not only in the garden, but also on the windowsill. It perfectly decorates the room and can serve as a charming gift instead of the usual bouquet.

Botanical description

Osteospermum – herbaceous perennial, which is grown in culture as an annual or biennial plant. Its shoots branch strongly from the very base and form a spherical bush or grow vertically. Part of the lateral processes slopes towards the ground. The height of the vegetation can reach 1-1.5 m, but varieties with a height of 30-50 cm are more popular in culture.

Cylindrical, slightly pubescent stems are covered with petiolate foliage. Dense dark green leaves have an oval or ovoid shape. Their edges are unevenly covered with teeth and grooves. The leaves have fragrant glands that emit a specific tart odor.

The flowering period begins in June and lasts until late autumn. In the upper part of the stem, large inflorescences-baskets bloom on bare peduncles. Their diameter is 3-8 cm. Flowering of one basket lasts no more than 5 days. After wilting, new buds appear. In the center of the inflorescence there are sterile tubular flowers, painted dark blue or purple tones. Rare reddish-orange dots are visible on top of the core. Reed flowers grow along the outer edge. Their petals are pink, purple, yellow, red or orange, plain or iridescent, flat or curled into a narrow tube.

Unlike other members of the family, osteospermum sets seeds precisely in the outermost, reed flowers. After pollination by insects, large dark achenes ripen. When flowers get wet, they quickly fade. Therefore, to protect against rain and dew, the petals are closed at night and in cloudy weather. The buds open with the first rays of the sun.

Garden varieties

In total, there are 70 species of plants in the genus Osteospermum, but only a few are used in culture, which became the ancestors of many ornamental varieties.

The most popular variety with strong branched stems forms dense thickets 50-100 cm in height. The shoots are densely covered with obovate, serrated foliage. The plants do not tolerate cold very well, so in temperate climates they are considered annuals.

Heat-loving and very decorative variety, which is covered with flowers almost all year round. Purple-pink large inflorescences consist of several rows of flat petals and a dark blue-violet core. It was on the basis of this species that several varieties appeared, whose petals change color.

This group includes many interspecific hybrids that are most interesting to gardeners. They are resistant to weather conditions, the unusual structure of the inflorescences and the ability of the petals to change color. The most interesting varieties:

• Sky and Ice are simple baskets with snow-white linear petals and a bright blue core.
• Congo - pink-purple petals.
• Pemba - lilac-pink petals in the center are twisted into a tube and resemble small spoons.
• Osteospermum cool - annuals resistant to heat and frost form bushes up to 50 cm high. They are abundantly covered with large (6-8 cm) daisies.
• Passion – dissolves a large number of simple baskets of pink or lilac color up to 5 cm in diameter. This is very compact variety, which is suitable for growing in pots.
• Akila is a cold-resistant variety with beautiful dark purple inflorescences that emit an intense, pleasant aroma.
• Cream symphony - on the surface of the lemon-yellow flat petals there is a narrow purple stripe.
• Bengal fire - a bush 25-30 cm high covered with unusual flowers. The surface of the petals is white and down side painted blue. On leaf blades there are golden cream stripes.

Reproduction methods

Most often, osteospermum is propagated by seeds. Near the flower bed, if the inflorescences are not removed in a timely manner, abundant self-seeding will certainly appear. You can sow the seeds yourself directly into open ground at the end of May. However, flowering will not occur until August. To see the first flowers already in June, seedlings are grown. At seed propagation Decorative characteristics of varieties (color and terry) are not preserved.

At the beginning of March, the seeds are sown in peat pots or tablets in groups of 2-3 pieces. They are buried 5-10 mm. The soil is moistened and covered with film. They are kept in a room with a temperature of +18…+20°C. Shoots will appear in a week. In a cooler place, some of the seeds may not germinate. When the seedlings have a pair of true leaves, they are transferred to a cool place for hardening every day for several hours. The temperature is reduced gradually; by the time of planting in open ground it should be +12°C.

To preserve rare varieties, they are propagated by cuttings. Use top part a shoot 7-9 cm long with 3-4 leaves. Cuttings can be taken throughout the year. The lower leaves are removed and the branches are placed in a glass of water. They are kept at a temperature of about +20°C. With the appearance of roots, osteospermum cuttings are planted in small pots with a mixture of sand, leaf humus and greenhouse soil. Watering is carried out moderately. On warm days, plants are placed outside. Transplantation into open ground is planned for next spring.

Planting and care

Osteospermum is considered a very easy to care for plant. It should be planted in open, well-lit places, since in the shade the flowering will be less abundant and the buds will often close. The soil can have any density, but flowers grow best on loose, nutritious soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. To determine planting density, the height of the variety is taken into account. On average, the distance between bushes is maintained at about 30-50 cm. young plant pinch for better branching.

Osteospermum can withstand cold temperatures down to -5°C and extreme heat. The first wave of flowering occurs in June. On hot July days it comes short term peace. In mid-August, when the heat subsides, flowering begins with renewed vigor.

Water the osteospermum sparingly. The plant tolerates slight drought well, but may reduce the number and size of flowers. It is important to ensure that water does not stagnate in the soil, otherwise root rot will develop.

Since the beginning of May, osteospermum has been fertilized twice a month. Alternate organic and mineral complexes for flowering plants. Young plants may suffer from weed infestation. The soil near the flower bed should be weeded regularly. Stems high varieties tied up so that the bush does not fall apart from gusts of wind or heavy rain. Withered inflorescences are promptly removed, then new buds will soon appear in their place.

If in winter the air temperature does not drop below -10°C, osteospermum will safely survive until spring, preserving foliage and shoots. In colder regions, to preserve flowers, plants are dug up and replanted in pots for the winter. Osteospermum tolerates transplantation well and recovers quickly. In winter, plants are kept at a temperature of +5...+10°C and good lighting. Watering is significantly reduced. In spring, the bush is planted again in the garden or taken out onto the veranda directly in a flowerpot.

Use of osteospermum

Beautiful bushes, densely covered with multi-colored daisies, are actively used in landscape design. They are good at group plantings in the middle of the lawn, along the border, in a ridge or in a mixed flower bed. Osteospermum creates bright accents and pleases with beautiful and fragrant flowers for a long time. Low-growing or creeping varieties are suitable for creating a continuous carpet or overhead growing. Dwarf varieties They grow well in flowerpots and flower pots, which are placed on verandas, balconies and indoors.