Dimorphotheca sinuata Mix seeds - Namaqualand daisy, African daisy

Seeds of Dimorphotheca sinuata Mix will easily grow into a colourful blend of Cape Daisy, a flamboyant, tender perennial, prized for its generous flowering from spring to autumn. Its low, spreading habit forms wide flowering carpets 25 to 40 cm high, perfect for highlighting borders, rockeries, edges and containers. Its daisy-shaped flowers, with radiant petals in warm shades of yellow, orange, apricot and white, open fully in the sun and close in shade or overcast weather. This easy-to-grow species is ideal for dry or Mediterranean gardens, but dislikes waterlogged soil and cold. 

Dimorphotheca sinuata, commonly called African Daisy, Cape Marigold or Rain Daisy, belongs to the Asteraceae family. First described by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1838, it is also known by various botanical synonyms such as Dimorphotheca aurantiaca, Dimorphotheca calendulacea, Dimorphotheca dentata, Dimorphotheca integrifolia, Acanthotheca dentata. Native to arid regions of southwestern Africa, notably the Cape Province of South Africa and Namibia, Dimorphotheca sinuata thrives in sandy habitats receiving winter rainfall. In its natural environment, it colonises the sandy soils of deserts and semi-arid areas, forming spectacular floral carpets in spring. Dimorphotheca sinuata Mix has a spreading to upright habit. The stems are often reddish, are branched and can be smooth or slightly hairy. The light green leaves are alternate, oblanceolate to linear, up to 8 cm long, with lobed or toothed margins. Growth is rapid, flowering just 8 to 10 weeks after sowing. The inflorescences are solitary heads, 3 to 8 cm in diameter, borne at the ends of the stems. The peripheral ligulate florets, usually yellow or orange with purple markings at the base, are female, while the central tubular florets, yellow to orange in colour, are bisexual. Flowering extends from June to September, the flowers opening in full sun and closing at night or in overcast weather. Pollination is mainly by insects, attracting bees and butterflies. The fruits are dimorphic achenes, a distinctive characteristic of the genus Dimorphotheca. The achenes from the ligulate florets are generally larger and winged, aiding wind dispersal, while those from the tubular florets are smaller and wingless. The fruits ripen quickly after flowering, ensuring effective reproduction in arid environments. 

Dimorphotheca sinuata Mix integrates gracefully into sunny, low-maintenance displays. Its vibrant flowers, in warm hues, bring a touch of light to borders and edges. To enhance its presence, pair it with plants featuring complementary colours and varied textures. Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights', with its bright orange flowers, creates a harmonious contrast. Eschscholzia californica 'Thai Silk Apricot Chiffon', with its silky apricot petals, reinforces the warm ambience. Finally, Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll', with its delicate blue flowers, offers a visual freshness that highlights the Cape Daisy. In pots or in the ground, these combinations create vibrant and balanced summer scenes.