With their vibrant, eye-catching blooms, African Daisies (Cape Marigolds) are the perfect way to add a pop of color to your balcony. If you’re looking for a plant that’s big on beauty but low on maintenance, you’ve found it! Here’s the scoop on how to grow these beauties in containers and keep them happy all season long.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your African Daisies
As the name suggests, African Daisies hail from sunny South Africa, so they are total sun-worshippers. Whether you’re planting them in large pots or classic balcony window boxes, you’ll want to pick the sunniest spot you’ve got. Meeting this location requirement is the secret to getting those stunning, prolific blooms we all love. If you tuck them away in the shade, they just won’t thrive.
One more pro-tip: try to find a spot that’s a bit shielded from heavy winds. Most balconies or patios have a cozy corner that’s relatively calm—that’s the “sweet spot” for your daisies. I love placing a comfy chair right next to my planters so I can enjoy the blooming season up close while relaxing with a morning coffee.
The Best Soil for Happy Plants
African Daisies aren’t too picky, but they do insist on well-draining soil. They hate having “wet feet” (standing water), so you’ll want a substrate that breathes. Make sure your soil is nutrient-rich, too. If your potting mix feels a little lackluster, you can mix in some compost or a bit of fertilizer to give the plants the energy they need to produce those gorgeous flowers.
Here are a few great soil options:
- Potting mix with a bit of loam
- Soil enriched with compost/humus
- A sandy soil blend
When you’re ready to plant, double-check that your pots or window boxes have drainage holes at the bottom. I always like to place a few broken terracotta shards over the holes before adding the soil—it keeps the holes from clogging so excess water can flow out freely. Just remember not to overwater! When it comes to winter protection and pruning, you’ll find that these daisies are incredibly easygoing and won’t add much to your weekend to-do list.
