I have an osteospermum in a hanging basket. It was gorgeous when I got it and it was blooming. How do I get it to bloom again? Will it bloom again?
You may need more phosphorus in the soil. You can add bone meal to get this or a high phosphorus fertilizer. This article will help with its care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-daisy/african-daisies-osteospermum.htm
Is it best to cut back Osteospermum at this time of year or will it get damaged by frost?
Actually, pruning it cack won't really make any difference. It is an annual and will not survive winter outdoors unless it's grown in a very warm climate. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-daisy/african-daisies-osteospermum.htm
In early June, I planted Osteospermum in my planter boxes. They get 6-7 hours of full sun. I water daily in the mornings. Lately, I have noticed the leaves in the center (inner core) of this annual are brown and wilted. Is this from too much water or too little or something else? Please advise.
Osteospermum is a cool weather plant. It goes somewhat dormant in hot weather. It is semi-succulent, and does not do well in constantly wet soil. If the plants were mine, I'd water thoroughly then allow to day somewhat before watering again. Brown, crispy leaves in the core of the plant is a common occurrence. You are giving them enough sun. I'd hold off the water some and wait for cooler to let them "show their stuff". (If they get too leggy, cut them back.)
My daughter bought me a plant of osteospermum and for some reason the flowers are drying up and are not reblooming no matter how many dead blooms I pick off. Should I plant it in the ground now? It was so beautiful when I got it. Now it's all withered and looks awful. I took it out of the direct sun and put it up on the porch but they still look awful. What do you suggest?
Make sure it is getting plenty of moisture. Also, you may need to prune the plant back some to encourage new growth and subsequent summer blooming. They can be transplanted outdoors as long as it's sufficiently warmed up in your area. This article should help you with their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-daisy/african-daisies-osteospermum.htm
What type of soil is best to use when starting Osteospermum from seeds?
Any good standard potting mix will usually be sufficient. You may also choose a soilless potting mix. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
I shall make the assumption that you're starting your seeds indoors. Use any good seed-starting mix. This article has more information about these lovely plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-daisy/african-daisies-osteospermum.htm
Hi-- I have two large flowerpots that each have an osteospermum and a tickseed planted in them. They are at the end of my driveway and get full sun. They were planted at the same time with soil from the same bag. Both pots have been watered the same. They looked great last Monday when I left to go out of town for a week. I came home on Sunday and found that one osteospermum is wilting and one is flourishing. Both tickseed plants look great. I watered both before I left, and I believe we got rain one day mid-week while I was gone. I am not an expert gardener and am trying to figure out if the wilting one is overwatered, underwatered, or if it has some kind of rot or fungus. I do not see any spots or mold on it, and it seems to be firmly planted within the soil. I watered it when I got home and it seemed to perk up slightly, but the next morning it was back to looking quite wilted. Any advice is appreciated.
This is most likely a watering issue, one of your containers may be draining water more quickly. Soil can dry out at different rates.
Container plants may need additional watering when days are hot, even twice a day in some cases.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-daisy/african-daisies-osteospermum.htm
My osteospermum petals are getting eaten and these orange droppings are below the plant. They are soft and doesnt appear to be eggs or alive. Any ideas as to whats doing this?
It looks like it is a fungus. I have seen it around and it can kill the plants. I don't know if that would cause your flowers to look like they have been eaten.