Whether you are starting out with a new garden or you have been growing for years, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is “do African daisies come back every year?” There are several reasons that this may not be the case. These include root rot, pests and diseases, and overwintering. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your daisies are in top shape when spring comes around.
Root rot
Despite being a drought resistant plant, African daisies are susceptible to root rot. If left untreated, root rot can kill the plant. However, root rot can be treated effectively.
To avoid root rot, make sure your soil is well drained. If it is clayey, it will not allow the plant to absorb water properly. The plant will be unable to absorb nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth.
Root rot can be caused by a variety of factors. A fungus called Verticillium wilt attacks the roots of the plant. In addition, the plant can be infected with aphids. The insects suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow. If you notice aphids, you can spray them with insecticidal soap. If the pests are still present, you can also consider applying neem oil.
Pests and diseases
Whether you are growing a Cape daisy in the garden or planting it in a container, it is important to know how to prevent African daisy pests and diseases. These insects can cause damage to your plants and affect their appearance. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can eliminate them.
First, make sure you don’t overwater your African daisy. This can cause wilting and weaken the plant. In addition, poor soil can create problems for the plant. To improve the quality of your soil, add organic matter and fertilize your plant. You can also solarize your planting site, which helps reduce the population of nematodes. This requires tilling the soil in midsummer and covering it with polyurethane sheeting.
Another pest problem is aphids. These little insects can eat the sap from your plants.
They can be controlled by insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth.
Watering
Whether you are planning to grow African Daisies in your garden, or in containers, it is important to water them properly. They are a fast growing plant, and need regular watering. They also require a monthly fertilizer, as well as pruning, to prevent disease.
When you are watering African Daisies, it is best to water them from the base. This
will prevent water droplets from splashing on the leaves and causing fungal diseases. In addition, it will encourage a better bloom.
You should also remove spent flower buds to promote further blooming. African Daisies thrive in full sun, so plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight. They can tolerate a little shade, but they will bloom less often.
Fertilising
Whether you want to grow African daisies in the ground or in a container, you’ll need to give them proper fertilization. They thrive in rich soil, but can also tolerate poor conditions. They also benefit from regular watering.
For best results, African daisies should be planted at least 10 inches apart. It’s also a good idea to add some compost to the soil before planting. They like to have well-drained soil and a pH level between five and 5.5.
To achieve the best blooms, African daisies should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer that’s specially designed for blooming flowers. In addition, it’s a good idea to mulch your plants with something like dry grass clippings or wood chips. This will help prevent moisture from retaining inside the plant, which can lead to root rot.
Overwintering
Normally, African daisies are grown as annuals and are moved indoors in the fall. In order to keep the plants flowering through the winter, they are given special care. These flowers are native to South Africa, where they are known as daisybush.
African daisies grow 1 -3 feet tall and wide. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are highly resistant to most pests. However, they can be affected by fungal problems in moist conditions. They also require regular fertilization.
The best time to plant African daisies is in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed. They do not need to be overwintered, but they do need to be protected from extreme temperatures. They also benefit from having a fresh, organic soil.