Cape Daisy white is a striking and attractive annual ornamental plant that originates from South Africa. Its name also refers to this origin. The Cape Daisy belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), which also includes plants such as marigold, yellow chamomile, globe thistle, daisy, common chamomile, dandelion, French marigold, and sunflower. This flower is also known as Venidium fastuosum, Arctotis fastuos, Monarch-of-the-veld and Namaqualand daisy.
The plant is notable for its silvery grey-green, finely divided foliage with an almost felt-like texture. The large, white, daisy-like flowers reach a diameter of approximately 7 – 10 centimetres and feature a distinctive dark, sometimes almost black centre, creating a strong colour contrast. They stand on long, thick, sturdy grey-green stems. Thanks to its striking appearance, Cape Daisy white is highly suitable for borders and containers, as well as for use as a cut flower. For optimal flowering, the plant requires a position in full sun and grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. This beautiful and eye-catching flower is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects. It is very suitable for annual borders, cultivation in large pots, insect-friendly gardens, and as a cut flower. Regularly removing spent flowers will encourage continued blooming. Cape Daisy flowers from July through September. Non hardy annual. Height: 40 - 80 cm.
Indoor sowing: middle of March - April
Outdoor sowing: middle of May - June
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germinationtemp.: 15 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Plant distance: 40 - 50 cm
Plant position: sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: July - September
Sow indoors from mid-March. Sow in trays filled with well-moistened sowing soil. Sow thinly and shallowly. Cape Daisy is a light germinator. Press the seeds gently in the soil. It is possible to lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of sifted potting soil. Cover the trays with a lid to keep the seeds moist. Keep the temperature as even as possible and especially do not let the temperature drop at night. Remove the lid as soon as the seedlings emerge. Repot the seedlings in separate pots as soon as they are big enough to handle. Harden off the seedlings in early May by putting them outside during the day. After about 10 - 14 days, they can be put in the open ground in a sunny, sheltered place with well-draining soil. Keep well moist and weed-free.
Sow in the garden from mid-May, as soon as there is no chance of night frost. Sow thinly and cover the seeds with a small layer of soil. Keep well moist and weed-free. Provide a sunny, sheltered place with well-draining soil. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 40 - 50 cm. Remove spent flowers regularly so that you can enjoy these plants for longer.
