Arctotis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Arctotis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

African Daisy, and Gousblom: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for the half hardy perennial Arctotis is the African Daisy; it is referred to as Gousblom in Afrikaans.

It is a native of South Africa and the plant typically flowers from summer through to late in the autumn.

It tends to grow best in coastal regions where it can be cooled by the ocean winds at night in the summer.

Arctotis Orange by Bert123.

Description of African Daisy

Plants of the species Arctotis tend to be short lived, however as they retain their blooms for long periods and as they have abundant daisy like flowers ranging from a vibrant orange through to silver they make an ideal garden plant.

Daisy-like Arctotis by Wit.

The African daisy is available as both a tall (120 cm) plant or in shorter 30 cm varieties. This makes it ideal to plant Arctotis species both at the back and the front of the borders.

How to Grow Arctotis species.

When planting Arctotis outside it is best to sow out the seeds just below the surface in the early spring, so that it is possible for the seeds to be subjected to a spring frost; it is also possible to sow the seeds outdoors in the late autumn.

If preparing African daisies for planting as seedlings, it is best to sow the seeds indoors six to seven weeks before planting out (after the last frost).

They should be planted out when temperatures do not dip below about 5 degrees Celsius. Arctotis should be spaced at about 25 to 30 cm apart in an area that receives full sun.

Ideally the soil should be of a pH of six to seven when growing African Daisy plants.

African daisies are tolerant of heat, however they tend not to like very humid conditions.

Caring for Arctotis

African daisies are very easy to look after, though they require regular watering in the early stages of growth in the spring they can be left in fairly dry conditions once established in the Summer.

It is important to deadhead plants regularly in order to keep Arctotis under control. Typically the first Summer bloom is the best, so you may want to sow out fresh seeds each year.

African daises self pollinate if conditions are hot enough, however cuttings may be taken in colder climates.

Common Questions

How many members does the Arctotis genus have?

The Arctotis genus includes around 50 species of flowering plants, noted for their daisy-like blooms.

Do members of Arctotis make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Arctotis makes an excellent garden plant. It's hardy, drought-tolerant, and produces brightly coloured flowers that attract pollinators.

Which Arctotis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species is Arctotis stoechadifolia, or African daisy, known for its silvery leaves and vibrant, daisy-like flowers.

Are members of the Arctotis plant genus fragrant?

While some people find a mild fragrance in Arctotis flowers, they are generally not grown for their scent.

What is the perfect location to grow Arctotis?

Arctotis prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's tolerant of poor soils and coastal conditions, making it versatile for different garden locations.

Is Arctotis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Arctotis is not typically considered invasive in the USA, but it can self-seed under the right conditions.

How do I remove Arctotis plants from my garden?

To remove Arctotis, pull out the plants manually, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Arctotis genus, a member of the Asteraceae family, is native to South Africa and includes about 50 species of annuals and perennials. Known commonly as African daisies, these plants are celebrated for their striking, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, red, orange, and yellow, often with contrasting, dark-colored centers.

African daisies prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant, making them a suitable choice for xeriscaping. These plants are known to thrive in poor soils and harsh conditions, making them an excellent option for challenging garden locations. Deadheading can prolong the bloom period and help maintain a neat appearance.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Arctotis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: Growing Emilia, palm springs daisy, and Helipterum plants.