Arctotis/African Daisy Seed ( Annual )

African Daisy is one of the most striking flowering annuals available, producing large daisy-like blooms with brilliant white petals surrounding dramatic steel-blue to purple centers encircled by a golden halo. Native to the sunny landscapes of South Africa, this spectacular flower brings exotic beauty and long-lasting color to gardens, borders, containers, and wildflower plantings. The elegant blooms seem to glow in sunlight and create an unforgettable display from late spring through fall.

The flowers open wide during sunny weather and close during cloudy conditions or at night, a fascinating characteristic that adds life and movement to the garden. Their bold color contrast and exceptional flower size make African Daisy a favorite among gardeners seeking something beyond ordinary bedding plants.

Growing Information

African Daisy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants typically reach 18 to 30 inches in height and develop a bushy, spreading habit covered with blooms throughout the growing season. They perform exceptionally well in hot, sunny locations where many other flowers struggle.

Once established, plants tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils remarkably well. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering and helps maintain a neat appearance.

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after frost danger has passed.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil.
• Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Germination generally occurs within 10-21 days.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Provide full sun and excellent drainage.

• Botanical Name: Arctotis grandis
• Height: 18-30 inches
• Spread: 12-24 inches
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full Sun
• Days to Germination: 10-21 Days
• Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall
• Pollinator Friendly: ★★★★★
• Drought Tolerance: ★★★★★
• Heat Tolerance: ★★★★★
• Cut Flower Value: ★★★★☆
• Color Impact: ★★★★★
• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to Grow

African Daisy Harlequin Mix is a dazzling blend of brightly colored daisy-like flowers that brings the vibrant spirit of South Africa directly into the garden. This spectacular mixture produces large blooms in brilliant shades of orange, scarlet, bronze, gold, cream, white, yellow, and bi-colors, many featuring dramatic dark centers and contrasting rings that create an almost painted appearance. The result is a kaleidoscope of color that remains eye-catching from late spring through fall.

Each flower opens wide in sunshine, revealing intricate patterns and vivid color combinations that seem almost too perfect to be natural. The compact, bushy plants become covered with blooms, creating a cheerful display that is equally at home in flower beds, borders, containers, and wildflower plantings.

Growing Information

Harlequin Mix thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants typically grow 12 to 18 inches tall and develop a compact, spreading habit covered with flowers throughout the growing season. They perform especially well in sunny locations where heat and bright light encourage abundant blooming.

Once established, African Daisies are remarkably drought tolerant and continue flowering through periods of hot, dry weather. Removing spent blooms helps promote continuous flowering and keeps plants looking fresh and vigorous.

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil.
• Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Germination generally occurs within 10-21 days.
• Space plants 10-12 inches apart.
• Provide full sun and excellent drainage.

• Flowers often close at night and reopen with the morning sun.
• Each plant may produce unique color combinations not seen on neighboring plants.
• The dark central eye creates dramatic contrast with the brightly colored petals.
• African Daisies are naturally adapted to drought-prone environments.
• The blooms often appear almost hand-painted due to their intricate color patterns.
• Harlequin Mix is prized for its exceptional diversity of colors.

• Botanical Name: Arctotis hybrida
• Height: 12-18 inches
• Spread: 12-18 inches
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full Sun
• Days to Germination: 10-21 Days
• Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall
• Color Range: ★★★★★
• Pollinator Friendly: ★★★★★
• Drought Tolerance: ★★★★★
• Heat Tolerance: ★★★★★
• Container Friendly: ★★★★☆
• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to Grow