Star of Veldt, also known as Dimorphotheca, is a striking plant. They’re wonderfully colorful and have beautiful flowers that look a lot like daisies. They bloom from the late spring until the first frost.
They’re not too challenging to grow either, which is always a plus! So use this detailed guide to help grow these beautiful plants successfully.
Understanding Star of Veldt
What is Star of Veldt?
Dimorphotheca, often called Star of Veldt, Cape Marigold or African Daisy, belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Southern Africa. Their popularity comes from the beautiful bright and colorful blooms they have, ranging from yellow and orange to pink and white.
Key Features
Growth: They will grow 8 to 18 inches tall which makes them a good option for borders and ground cover.
Flowers: They have dynamic flowers with a dark center that bloom from the late spring to autumn/fall.
Choosing the Right Variety
Dimorphotheca comes in several species and cultivars. These are a few of the most popular ones:
| Species | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Dimorphotheca sinuata | Bright orange or yellow flowers. |
| Dimorphotheca ecklonis | White or pink blooms with blue centers. |
| Dimorphotheca pluvialis | White flowers that close during cloudy weather. |
| Dimorphotheca aurantiaca | Large, daisy-like flowers in various colors with dark centers. |
Source: Reddit
Tips for Selecting Varieties
Climate: Pick a variety based on your local climate. Some might perform better in warmer areas.
Color Scheme: You will want colors that complement your garden.
Planting Site and Soil Requirements
Ideal Conditions
Sunlight
Star of Veldt does best in full sun. That means it will need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Full sunlight is so important for the following reasons:
Flowering: The right amount of sunlight means you will get lots of flowers. If it grows in shaded areas you will get far fewer flowers.
Plant Health: Full sun helps keep the plants dry and that makes them less susceptible to developing a fungal disease.
Soil
Sandy loam soil that drains well is the best choice for Dimorphotheca.
Drainage: Good drainage is really important. Waterlogged soil can result in root rot, a common issue for these plants. If your garden has heavy clay soil then you could add some sand or compost to improve how it drains.
Texture: Sandy loam soil has the right balance of holding on to moisture and drainage. The water drains quickly through it but also holds enough moisture for the roots.
Soil Amendment: Adding some compost or manure before you plant can improve the fertility of the soil and its structure.
pH Level
Dimorphotheca is ok with a range of soil pH levels. But it does prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.5). This is how to keep on top of your soil pH:
Testing: Use a soil pH testing kit so you know what the pH level of your garden soil is.
Adjusting pH: If the soil is too acidic you can some add lime to raise the pH. For alkaline soil sulfur or peat moss can lower the pH.
Site Preparation Tips
Improving Drainage: If your soil retains a lot of water then you can create raised beds to help with the drainage. The likes of compost and coarse sand can improve the soil too.
Avoiding Shady Areas Pick somewhere that gets full sun exposure. Shaded areas will result in weaker plants that don’t flower much.
Soil Testing: You should be keeping an eye on your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Test often to see where it is and do whatever you need to in order so the soil stays right for growing.
Source: Reddit
Sowing Seeds
Timing for Sowing
Dimorphotheca seeds can be sown indoors or directly in the garden. Timing depends on your climate.
Indoor Sowing
Start Indoors Begin seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
Advantages Indoor sowing gives seedlings a head start especially in cooler climates where the growing season is short.
Outdoor Sowing
Direct Sowing Sow the seeds directly in your garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
Climate Consideration If you’re in a warm climate then the seeds can be sown in autumn to get them to bloom in the winter and spring.
Seed Sowing Steps
1. Soil Preparation Loosen the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Mix in any you’re using compost to make the drainage fertility better.
2. Sowing Depth Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. Lightly cover them with soil or a thin layer of vermiculite.
3. Watering Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You don’t want to displace the seeds when you water so instead mist them lightly.
4. Germination Conditions Keep the temperature at 65°F (18°C) for the best germination, which usually happens in roughly 10 to 14 days.
Indoor Sowing Tips
Seed Trays or Pots Use seed trays or small pots with drainage holes in glen. A good quality seed starting mix will help.
Light and Warmth You will want to put the trays in a warm, bright spot. A sunny windowsill is good but if not then a grow light can will give enough light and warmth.
Moisture Cover the trays with plastic wrap or use a clear lid. This will keep the humidity right for the seeds until they germinate.
Source: Reddit
Transplanting Seedlings
Once your seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves they are ready for transplanting. Here’s how to do it right:
Hardening Off
Before transplanting the seeds you should harden them off so they can adapt to the outdoor conditions:
Gradual Acclimation Start by putting the seedlings outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day. Then over the course of a week to 10 days slowly increase the time.
Temperature Make sure the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) during the hardening off period.
Spacing
Proper spacing is a big part of healthy growth and the right air circulation.
Recommended Spacing Space seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart. This gives enough room for each plant to grow without overcrowding.
Air Circulation Good spacing makes the circulating air around the plants better and this will reduce any risks of fungus growing.
Transplanting Process
1. Prepare the Planting Area Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Use compost to improve the soil fertility.
2. Digging Holes Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling. Space the holes 8 to 12 inches apart.
3. Transplanting Gently take the seedlings out of their pots being careful not to damage the roots. Place each seedling in a hole, fill it with soil and press down gently to get rid of any air pockets.
4. Watering Water thoroughly after you have transplanted to settle the soil around the roots. Keeping the soil most is important, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting.
Post Transplant Care
Mulching Use a thin layer of mulch around the plants stop weeds growing and keep the soil moist.
Regular Monitoring Keep an eye on the newly transplanted seedlings for any signs of stress or pest problems. If it gets very hot and dry then water more often.
Caring for Star of Veldt
Watering
Establishment Phase: Water regularly until the plants are established.
Drought Tolerance: Once established Star of Veldt is quite tolerant of droughts. So you can water sparingly and let the soil dry out between those waterings.
Watering Tips
- Water in the morning and let the foliage dry before the evening. This will lower the risk of disease.
- Similarly don’t water overhead as this can result in lead spot or other fungal problems.
Feeding
Fertilization: Too much fertilizer can give you lots of leaves but not many flowers. So use a an all purpose fertilizer but do so lightly.
Soil Amendment: Use compost before planting as it will give the soil extra nutrients that your plant needs.
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove the spent flowers as it will help to get them to flower continuously. This also helps stop unwanted self seeding.
Pruning: After flowering cut back the stems to tidy the plant and help with new growth.
Pests and Diseases Management
Dimorphotheca is generally free of pests but can be susceptible to certain ones.
Common Pests
Slugs and Snails: Protect young plants with slug traps, barriers or organic slug pellets.
Aphids: Check to make sure you don’t get aphids. If so then deal with them quickly and using insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Root Rot: Make sure your plants have good drainage to avoid getting waterlogged. It can can cause root rot.
Powdery Mildew: Mildew can form when your plants don’t have good circulating air. Also warring from overhead is a risk.
Preventive Measures
- Make an effort to check for signs of diseases and pests. Do it fairly regularly.
- Don’t plant your plants too near to each other as overcrowding can make matters worse – helping spread pests or diseases.
Propagation
Taking Cuttings
1. Selecting Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings from non flowering shoots in the late spring or early summer.
2. Preparing Cuttings: Cut a 3 to 4 inch section just below a node. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Rooting: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with compost (must be moist). Cover that with a plastic bag keep it humid.
4. Location: Put it in a warm, bright area. Check for roots in a few weeks.
Tips for Success
- Use a potting mix that drains well for the cuttings.
- Make sure the cuttings are kept in a humid environment until the roots develop.
Common Questions
How Long Does It Take for Star of Veldt to Bloom?
Star of Veldt usually blooms from the late spring until the first frost. When exactly that will be depends on your local climate and the conditions they’re growing in.
Can Star of Veldt Be Grown in Containers?
Yes, Star of Veldt can grow in containers as long as they have good drainage. You’ll want to use a potting mix that drains well and make sure the container has drainage holes.
Container Growing Tips
- Choose a large enough container that the plants roots will fit.
- Water regularly but be sure the soil dries out between those waterings.
Are Star of Veldt Perennials or Annuals?
In most climates Star of Veldt is grown as an annual. However, in areas that doesn’t get frost it can behave as a short lived perennial.
Growing as a Perennial
- In warmer climates cut back the plants after they’ve flowered as it will help it to grow more.
- Give it protection in the winter if necessary. This will stop it getting damaged by the frost.