Osteospermum – Lemon Symphony
Osteeospurm-m-mum. Sheesh. I wonder who came up with that one. "Osteo" or "African Daisy" is much more "me." In case you didn't know, Symphony Osteos are among the most popular Proven Winners in the world. It's easy to spot a Symphony. We're the ones with the amazing sapphire blue eyes (centers). Just like that actress what's-her-name. Let's see. I bloom nonstop from early spring through fall, and my new flowers quickly cover old ones so you never have to deadhead. I'm Annual except in zones 9 - 11, and do best in full to part sun (heat doesn't bother me a bit). Since I grow between 8 and 12 inches tall, there's room for me even in small spaces.
Features
Osteeospurm-m-mum. Sheesh. I wonder who came up with that one. "Osteo" or "African Daisy" is much more "me." In case you didn't know, Symphony Osteos are among the most popular Proven Winners in the world. It's easy to spot a Symphony. We're the ones with the amazing sapphire blue eyes (centers). Just like that actress what's-her-name. Let's see. I bloom nonstop from early spring through fall, and my new flowers quickly cover old ones so you never have to deadhead. I'm Annual except in zones 9 - 11, and do best in full to part sun (heat doesn't bother me a bit). Since I grow between 8 and 12 inches tall, there's room for me even in small spaces.
Award Winner
Dead-Heading Not Necessary
Fall Interest
Maintenance Notes
Deadheading not necessary for continuous bloom. Plants will "bury their dead" (new flowers will quickly cover old flowers) so no deadheading necessary. Symphony Osteospermum do not like having wet feet and will react badly to constantly wet soil. Be sure to allow soil in containers to get dry on top before watering and only plant Symphony in ground beds with good drainage. While it shouldn't be necessary you can trim your plants with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears at any time.
A yearly application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.
Needs Good Drainage
Uses Notes
Use in hanging baskets, window boxes, landscaping and combination planters
Maintenance Category Easy
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Container, Landscape
Soil Fertility Average Soil
pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9
Fertilization 150 - 200
Light Requirements High
Water Requirements Dry to Moderate
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 55 - 65° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Early Spring through Fall Finish. Standard PPP.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 4-6
6" and Gallon Pot : 5-7
7-9" Pot : 7-9
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12
Pinching and Growth Regulators
Pinch at transplant, if needed. If plants are pinched use a preventative fungicide spray to preclude disease formation. Florel at 500 ppm can be used instead of pinching. 5-10 ppm Sumagic can be used to control growth if needed. Cold temperatures can also be used for growth regulation.
Pest and Disease Management
General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Symphony is sensitive to pythium, phytopthera, and botrytis. Maintaining proper pH, (5.8-6.2) and good sanitation practices will help alleviate problems. Increased air circulation, proper water management and good soil porosity are also critical.
Grower Tips
Grower Tips for Symphony
-Low humidity isessential best in production.
-Preventive fungicides are recommended at transplant.
-Requires high light in production.
-Grow cool with good air circulation once established.
-Finishing outside will yield a toned and better branched plant.
Air circulation and water management are critical. Vernalization is not required for flowering. Removing buds and flowers at transplant is not necessary but may be beneficial.
