How to Grow Osteospermum from Seed

Osteospermums, or African daisies, supply annual summer color in most climates. The daisy-like blossoms have large center eyes and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, blue and purple. The plants grow between 2 and 5 feet tall depending on the variety. They provide banks of deep green foliage and bright flowers in beds, borders or containers throughout the garden. Plant osteospermum seeds indoors eight weeks before the last expected spring frost so they are ready to plant outside and bloom in early summer.

Tray
Soil
Plastic bag

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a seed-starting tray with moist potting soil. Leave a ½-inch space between the top of the soil and the rim of the tray.
- 2
  Sow the seeds on the soil surface, planting approximately one seed per square inch. Press on the seeds lightly so they are in contact with the soil, but don't bury them, as they require light to germinate.
- 3
  Cover the tray with a clear plastic bag. The bag retains the moisture in the soil while still allowing light to reach the seeds.
- 4
  Set the tray in a warm, sunny window. Osteospermums germinate best at temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  Remove the plastic when the seedlings emerge, usually within 15 days of sowing. Continue to provide the seedlings with a sunny window and warm temperatures. Water the seedlings when the soil surface begins to dry out.
- 6
  Thin the seedlings in the tray after they produce their second set of leaves. Remove seedlings so the remaining ones sit approximately 2 inches apart in all directions.
- 7
  Transplant the osteospermum seedlings outdoors after all frost danger passes in spring. Plant them in a full sun, well drained garden bed, spacing the plants 24 to 30 inches apart.

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