Osteospermum

The Ostica series has vibrant and colorful flowers with a distinct eye that seems to mesmerize the onlooker. Ostica varieties feature early flowering and a compact growth habit. No cooling is necessary. They are suitable in the garden as a single plant or in a group.

Use a well-drained, disease-free peat/perlite mix. Recommended pH is 5.5 to 6.3 and EC should be 0.6 to 0.9.

Maintain moderate levels of moisture. Apply constant feed with a balanced fertilizer at 250-ppm nitrogen. It should contain average levels of micronutrients with a slightly increased level of iron.

Keep day temperature at 64 to 75° F and night temperature at 45 to 55° F. Osteospermum blooms in response to night temperatures less than 55° F. The vernalization period takes about four weeks under temperatures of 45 to 55° F, giving a good bud set and the best flowering potential possible.