African daisy Polar Star

150 seeds

African Daisy 'Polar Star' is a beautiful cool-season flowering plant that produces large white flowers with deep blue-purple centers. It blooms abundantly throughout the cool months and is excellent for garden beds, borders, rock gardens, pots, hanging baskets, and landscaping. It thrives in the Gulf when grown during the cooler part of the year.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (recommended)
• A second sowing can be done in January for late-season blooms.
• Avoid sowing during the hot summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Sow fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Use light, fertile, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.0

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or directly into pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep and lightly cover with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the soil slightly moist during germination.
• Transplant seedlings after they develop 3–4 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–22°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–25°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In warmer Gulf regions, light afternoon shade helps prolong flowering.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• African daisies are moderately drought tolerant once established.
• Avoid overwatering.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days

Plant Spacing

• 25–30 cm between plants.
• 30–40 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Begins approximately 10–12 weeks after sowing.
• Regular removal of faded flowers (deadheading) encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Apply a balanced flowering fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• During flowering, use a fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cool season.
• Ensure excellent drainage.
• Water early in the morning.
• Mulch lightly to help maintain cooler soil.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot caused by excessive watering.
• Polar Star is excellent for flower beds, borders, containers, balconies, rock gardens, and public landscapes throughout the Gulf.