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How to Grow Cape Daisies

The cape daisy is a sun-loving annual flower that is also known as the African daisy. It produces dark green foliage and stems and fragrant flowers in shades ranging from yellows and pinks to blues and violets. This sun-loving daisy grows best in full sunlight and loamy, nutrient-rich soil. Still, the cape daisy is an adaptable flower that tolerates short periods of drought and a lack of nutrients when raised in a well-drained location.

Things You'll Need

  • Potting container
  • Potting soil
  • Fertilizer
  • Pruning shears
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Instructions

    • 1

      Propagate your cape daisies from seeds during the late winter to early spring months. Plant the seeds in a shallow, well-drained container filled with nutrient-rich potting soil. Keep the container in a moderately warm room with temperatures that rest between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the cape daisy seeds approximately 14 days to sprout.

    • 2

      Water the cape daisy sprouts deeply and infrequently to maintain a warm and slightly dry soil environment. Pour tepid water slowly and evenly around the developing daisies to ensure the roots are not disturbed. Water the cape daisies only after the soil has dried slightly to prevent overwatering, but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

    • 3

      Pick a planting location that receives at least eight hours of full sunlight with ventilation and fertile, well-drained soil. Feel free to plant the cape daisies in pots, as they respond well to outdoor container growth. Use a deep container that has several drainage holes at the bottom to promote increased drainage.

    • 4

      Plant the cape daisies in the spring after the final frost. Plant the daisies just as deep as their roots, and completely cover all the roots with soil. Water the cape daisies immediately after planting. Water the cape daisies deeply and infrequently to keep the roots well-watered without saturation or complete drought.

    • 5

      Feed your cape daisies regularly throughout the growing season to replenish nutrients and to promote healthy development. Use a water-soluble fertilizer designed for daisies and other half-hardy plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions to prevent overfertilizing the plants. Keep the feed about an inch away from the base of the daisies to prevent chemical root burn.

    • 6

      Deadhead spent blooms as they appear to redirect the plant’s energy to other areas and to prolong the flowering. Use sharp, sterile shears to remove the wilted flowers.

    • 7

      Cut back your cape daisies in the late fall once all the blooms are exhausted. Cut down the stems to promote healthy new growth during the following season. Remove the cape daisies from their planting location before the dormancy period begins, or mulch the daisies heavily to protect them from the approaching cold temperatures.