Arctotis - African Daisy

(Arcto'tis)

DESCRIPTION: These annuals and tender perennials are natives of South Africa and belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. They grow 1 to 2½ feet high, usually have fuzzy leaves and produce single-stemmed flowers, 2 inches across, in most colors except blue.

POTTING: The annual kinds are the most popular. When they are planted outside, they should be 12 inches apart. Flowering will begin in June and in favorable climates will continue into September, as long as the faded blooms are removed. The plants will fail if the nights are really hot. When they are grown in a greenhouse, care must be taken not to over water. They need plenty of sunlight and a night temperature between 45 and 50 degrees.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown in a greenhouse in the spring in fine, sandy, loamy soil. The temperature should be 50-55 degrees. When the seedlings are an inch or so high, they're set 3 inches apart in flats filled with a porous soil. Water them well and place them in a cold frame until danger from frost has passed. They can then be planted outside. When they are used for decorating the greenhouse during late winter and spring, the seeds are sown in September and the new plants are potted separately in 3-inch pots and later in 5-inch pots and kept under glass.

VARIETIES: A. stoechadifolia grandis; A. breviscapa. (These two are the most popular.)

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