Caring for Ostepspermum
Planting:
Choose a bright, sunny spot with free-draining soil — Osteospermum dislike soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy, mix in compost or grit to improve drainage. When planting in containers, use a quality potting mix and ensure pots have good drainage holes. Space plants about 30cm apart to allow airflow and healthy growth.
Growing:
Water regularly after planting until the roots are well established, then reduce watering as Osteospermum are fairly drought-tolerant. They love warmth and sunshine, so position them where they’ll receive at least six hours of direct light per day. In cooler regions, they can be grown as annuals, while in frost-free areas they’ll continue as long-lived perennials.
Maintenance:
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers and keep plants looking tidy. Trim back lightly after flowering flushes to promote compact, bushy growth. A slow-release fertiliser in spring or a liquid feed every few weeks through the growing season will keep the blooms coming. In winter, protect from heavy frost or move container plants to a sheltered spot.
