This FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Sunscape® Daisies.

Osteospermum are native to the Cape region of South Africa and make desirable flowering plants for the greenhouse and nursery trade. Some common names include Sunscape Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, Cape Daisy, Sun Daisy and African Daisy. Plant breeders in Denmark and Japan have developed and selected improved cultivars for pot plant and landscape culture. Most cultivars may be grown and flowered in a number of container sizes, particularly if chemical growth retardants are used to restrict their growth in smaller containers.

Cultivars now on the market come in an array of colors, including shades of purple, lavender, pink, white, yellow, peach and bi-colors. Most have blue disc flowers until yellow pollen is shed, hence the name blue-eyed daisy. Most of the yellow cultivars have yellow or off-white centers. Some have spoon-shaped ray petals that give an interesting star-like appearance. In the garden, plants become 1-2 feet high with attractive dark green foliage. They flower most profusely from early spring to mid summer. Flowering wanes during the warm summer months and returns in the fall in response to cooler night temperatures. Sunscape Daisies will withstand frosts, but not hard freezes. They can be sold and planted in the garden earlier than most annuals and bedding plants. Also, they will flower later in the fall, well past the time of killing frosts for most other garden plants. They can be grown as perennials only in very mild climates.

Greenhouse Production

High light intensity, cool temperatures and early pinching are the basic requirements for successful Sunscape Daisy production. A prime time to sell Sunscape Daisies is from early spring through May, starting well ahead of geranium or New Guinea Impatiens sales. Total production time is about 14 weeks. Start Sunscape Daisies with vegetative cuttings November through February (see production schedules below). Allow 4 weeks longer for unrooted cuttings compared with rooted cuttings. Grow plants in 4, 6 or 8” pots and hanging baskets. Allow 1-2 weeks for rooted cuttings to get established before pinching out the growing tip, leaving 5-6 nodes for 4” pots and hanging baskets and 6-7 nodes for 6” or larger pots. Height of the stem would ideally be no more than 1 ½” after pinching. Once cuttings are established, move the pots to a cold area or lower the night temperatures to 45º-55º F.

Osteospermum flower in response to night temperatures below 55º F (13ºC). A vernalization period of about 4 weeks at temperatures between 45-55ºF/ 7-13ºC results in the greatest bud set and flowering potential. Once the plants are vernalized, flowering begins 5 – 8 weeks later, depending on cultivar response and forcing temperatures. A “cold” growing area is ideal for greenhouse or nursery production of Sunscape Daisies. They are easy to grow in the same facilities with perennials, pansies, cyclamen, regal geraniums and other cool crops.

Most growing media used for other greenhouse crops are suitable for Sunscape Daisies. The media should be sterile and well aerated. The optimum pH range is 5.8 to 6.2. A complete, balanced fertilizer with minor nutrients is recommended, fed at a 250 ppm nitrogen rate on a continuous liquid feed (CLF) program. Slow release fertilizers may be used to supplement liquid fertilization if not on a CLF regime, especially if growing under field conditions. This may also provide improved performance for the consumer.

After vernalization plants may be left in the cold greenhouse with the highest possible light intensity. Cool temperatures (45-55ºF/ 7-13ºC) and high light (5-6,000 foot candles/ 53,800-64,600 lux minimum) result in the highest quality plants. If possible, grow the plants outside when temperatures are above freezing. To shorten the flowering time, plants may be moved to a 60-65º F greenhouse after vernalization. Maximum light intensity should also be provided in the warmer house for top quality. Plants elongate more in the warmer houses and chemical growth retardants are recommended for height control, especially for 4” pots.

Cycocel® or Bonzi® are the plant growth regulators (PGRs) of choice for Sunscape Daisy production. B-Nine® is also recommended, but effectiveness seems to be cultivar dependent. B-Nine may delay flowering and “flatten-out” the ray petals of the spoon varieties. Apply PGRs about 3-4 weeks after pinching. Additional applications will probably be needed for 4” pots or warm (60-65ºF/ 15-18ºC) forcing temperatures. Apply Cycocel either as a drench (1500 ppm) or a spray (750 ppm). Spray concentrations greater than 750 ppm may cause excessive leaf yellowing. Use Bonzi spray applications at 30 ppm or B-Nine spray at 2500 ppm. Apply B-Nine before flower buds are visible or flowering may be delayed and flower size reduced.

While several insects feed on Osteospermum, none seem to devastating. Aphids, caterpillars, mites, and whiteflies have all been reported on plants and thrips are attracted to the open flowers. Thrips may transmit viruses.

The Sunscape Daisy is a low cost and relatively easy crop to grow if the basic cultural requirements can be met. Consumer appeal for quality plants has been tremendous. The crop time is +/- 12 weeks from rooted cuttings. Pinch the cuttings as soon as the roots are established and move the pots to a cold (45-55ºF/ 7-13ºC) night temperature growing area for a minimum of 4 weeks. Provide the maximum amount of light possible. Retractable roof greenhouses and field production are ideal when temperatures are above freezing.

* A minimum of 4 weeks cold temperature (45° – 55°F) vernalization is required to initiate flowering.

* Amount based on soil and container volume

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