Osteospermum Seed

It is not recommended to collect seed from Osteospermums. Most Osteospermums are hybrids and the resulting seedlings will not come true to the original plant. This means that the resulting plants will never be identical and can therefore not be given the same name as the original plant.  Osteospermum hybrids must be propagated by cuttings.

There are only a couple of Osteospermum varieties that are suitable to grow from seed. The first series available from seed is called Osteospermum 'Passion Mixed': a mixture of pink, rose, purple and white flowers with azure blue centres. Suitable for pot, container and garden use. These have been available for many years. Now there is also a new series available called 'Asti Series' in the same standard colours of pink and white.

 

Osteospermum 'Passion Mixed'

Sowing Instructions:

Sow seeds of Passion Mixed from February to May at 18-20c (64-68F) on a good free draining damp seed compost. A fine sprinkling of vermiculite must be applied, but do not cover the seed completely. Place in a propagator or seal the container inside a polythene bag until after germination (up to 14 days). Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. 

When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. Then grow on in cooler conditions before planting out after all risk of frost has past. Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart.

Like all Osteospermums they prefer well drained soil in full sun.

 

Dimorphotheca Seed

 

Dimorphotheca is NOT an Osteospermum - Dimorphotheca is a hardy annual

Common names are: 

Star of the Veldt - African Daisy - Cape Marigold - Rain Daisy - Namaqualand Daisy

The word Dimorphotheca means: two shapes of seed. That's because the plant produces two totally different seed forms: Some are small and triangular and some are flat seeds.

WARNING: At present some of the reputable seed companies are incorrectly selling 'Dimorphotheca' under the name 'Osteospermum'. You will have to draw your own conclusions as to why they are doing this!! One company is even selling 'Livingstone Daisies' ('Mesembryanthemum') under the name of 'Osteospermum'. We recommend to first check if you are really buying 'Osteospermums' before ordering seed.

Dimorphotheca Species:

Dimorphotheca annua
= D. pluvialis (Rain Daisy)
Dimorphotheca aurantiaca
A lot of garden varieties are hybrids of D. aurantiaca Colours: white, yellow, orange, salmon-pink.
Dimorphotheca calendulaea
Flowers are orange-yellow
Dimorphotheca chrysanthemifolia
Dimorphotheca cuneata
Dimorphotheca pluvialis
Common name = Rain Daisy
Dimorphotheca sinuata
Common name = Namaqualand Daisy
Dimorphotheca zeyheri

 

Dimorphotheca Hybrids:

D. aurantiaca 'Dwarf Salmon'
Compact plant
D. aurantiaca 'Goliath'
Large flowers
D. aurantiaca 'Orange Glory'
Large flowers
D. aurantiaca 'Tetra Polestar'
Shining white variety with purple centre
D. hybrida 'Giant Mixed'
Incorrectly sold as 'Osteospermum' / Pastel shades
D. pluvialis 'Glistening White'
Incorrectly sold as 'Osteospermum Glistening White' Silvery-white petals with a pale violet tinge
D. sinuata 'Pastel Silks'
Incorrectly sold as 'Osteospermum' / Pastel shades of buff, cream, orange, yellow and white
D. sinuata 'Salmon Queen'
Incorrectly sold as 'Osteospermum' / Pastel shades of salmon and apricot

 

To learn more about Dimorphotheca, please visit our page on Types of Osteospermum.