How to Grow Venidium

Venidium fastuosum and Arctotis fastuosa are two synonymous botanical names for cape daisy, a species of annual flowering plant native to southern Africa. It is sometimes cultivated as a bedding plant for its 1.5 to 2-foot-tall silvery foliage and daisy-like flowers, which feature white petals with an orange and black base. Growing Venidium fastuosum takes little effort since the seeds germinate easily and quickly put on growth, but they must be started indoors approximately 10 weeks before the last frost in spring to ensure they will bloom once planted outdoors.

2-inch-deep seedling tray
Potting soil
Spray bottle
Plastic wrap
4-inch plastic pots

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 2-inch-deep seedling tray with standard potting soil. Firm the soil to create a 1/4-inch gap between the surface and the top of tray.
- 2
  Moisten the top inch of soil using a spray bottle. Mist the surface thoroughly and allow it to drain for five to 10 minutes.
- 3
  Sprinkle the Venidium seed across the surface of the soil. Spread a scant layer of potting soil over the seeds so they are barely covered. Mist the soil to settle it.
- 4
  Place the seedling tray near a large, bright window with southern exposure. Expose the Venidium seeds to no less than six hours of sunlight each day.
- 5
  Stretch plastic wrap over the seedling tray to create a warm, moist greenhouse-like environment for the seeds. Seal the plastic wrap around the edge of the seedling tray.
- 6
  Remove the plastic wrap every few days to release the trapped moisture. Test the soil moisture with the tip of your finger. Mist the soil if it feels dry below the surface. Replace the plastic wrap after watering.
- 7
  Watch for germination in seven to 14 days. Remove the plastic wrap once the Venidium seeds sprout. Thin the seedlings to one for every square-inch of soil.
- 8
  Transplant the Venidium seedlings into individual 4-inch plastic pots filled with potting soil once they put on two sets of mature leaves.
- 9
  Keep the individually potted seedlings under the same conditions as when they were germinated. Decrease water slightly to prevent fungal infections. Water only when the soil dries out at a depth of 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
- 10
  Plant the Venidium plants 12 inches apart in a sunny bed with slightly sandy soil once all danger of frost has passed. Water to 1 inch every seven days for the first two weeks after planting. Decrease water to 1 inch every 14 days after that.

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