Osteospermum – Soprano^® Purple

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.

An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.

Uses Notes

Plant alone or in combinations in all container types and hanging baskets

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

No pinch necessary. Plant Growth Regulators should not be needed but 5-10 ppm Sumagic is effective if needed. 'Soprano Vanilla Spoon' and 'Soprano Lilac Spoon' are more vigorous than other Sopranos and will be more likely to need PGR's.

Pest and Disease Management

General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Sopranos are 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 Soprano
-Low humidity essential during rooting time.
-Preventive fungicides are recommended at transplant.
-Requires high light in production.
-Warm and slightly dry conditions after transplanting speeds rooting and growth.
-'Compact Purple' is very easy to overwater and is not suited for a 10" container. PGRs are not recommended.

Vernalization is not necessary for flowering.
Spoon types will be more likely to require growth regulators. Removing the buds and flowers at transplant isn't necessary but can be beneficial.