African Daisy Vs Calendula: A Gardener’S Guide To Choosing The Right

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a garden center, looking at two cheerful, daisy-like flowers, and felt a little bit stumped? On one side, you have the dazzling African Daisy with its electric colors. On the other, the sunny, familiar face of Calendula. They look similar, but you have a feeling they’re not the same.

You’re absolutely right! While they both offer a burst of joy, they are two completely different plants with unique personalities, needs, and gifts for your garden. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a good garden and a great one.

I’m here to be your friendly garden guide and clear up the confusion. I promise that by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which flower is the perfect match for your soil, your climate, and your gardening dreams.

We’ll dig into the key differences in this complete african daisy vs calendula guide, explore their specific care needs, uncover their surprising benefits, and even tackle some common problems you might face. Let’s get growing!

At a Glance: Key Differences Between African Daisy and Calendula

Before we get our hands dirty with the details, let’s start with a quick side-by-side comparison. Think of this as the “cheat sheet” to understanding these two garden stars.

African Daisy (Osteospermum)

  • Family: Asteraceae (The same family as sunflowers and true daisies)
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Appearance: Often features a distinct, dark blue or purple center, sometimes with a contrasting ring of color. Petals come in a vast, vibrant palette including purple, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
  • Habit: Flowers famously close up at night, on cloudy days, and during periods of intense heat.
  • Hardiness: A tender perennial, usually grown as an annual in climates with cold winters (below Zone 10).
  • Primary Use: Purely ornamental. A stunning choice for containers, borders, and modern garden designs.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

  • Family: Asteraceae (Yes, they’re cousins!)
  • Origin: Southern Europe
  • Appearance: Classic, simple daisy shape in shades of brilliant orange, sunny yellow, and soft cream. The center is typically yellow or brown.
  • Habit: Flowers stay open regardless of cloud cover. It’s a reliable cool-season bloomer.
  • Hardiness: A hardy annual that often self-seeds, returning to your garden year after year.
  • Primary Use: Multipurpose! It’s ornamental, edible, medicinal, and a fantastic companion plant.

Meet the Contenders: A Closer Look at Each Flower

Now that we have the basics, let’s get to know these plants a little better. Understanding their individual personalities is the first step in our african daisy vs calendula tips.

The Dazzling African Daisy (Osteospermum)

Think of the African Daisy as the showstopper. Its colors are incredibly saturated and often have an almost metallic sheen. Many modern hybrids feature spoon-shaped or quilled petals, adding even more texture and interest.

The most fascinating thing about them, and a dead giveaway, is their nyctinastic movement. That’s a fancy term for how their flowers close in response to darkness or low light. It’s not a sign of a problem; it’s just what they do! This makes them a flower best enjoyed in the bright light of day.

Because they are native to South Africa, they have a deep love for the sun and can handle a bit of dryness once they’re established, making them a great choice for a sunny, well-drained spot.

The Versatile Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula, often called “Pot Marigold,” is the reliable, multi-talented friend of the garden. Its cheerful blooms are a classic cottage garden staple, bringing a dependable splash of sunshine from spring through fall.

But its beauty is just the beginning. The officinalis in its name hints at its long history in medicine and kitchens. The petals are edible, with a slightly peppery taste, perfect for sprinkling over salads or rice. They’re also used to make healing salves, oils, and teas.

Unlike its African cousin, Calendula is a cool-season champ. It blooms its heart out in the milder temperatures of spring and fall and often self-sows, leaving you with volunteer seedlings the following year—a wonderful, sustainable gift!

The Ultimate African Daisy vs Calendula Care Guide

Alright, let’s talk about how to african daisy vs calendula care works in the real world. Their needs are different, and matching the plant to the right spot is the secret to success.

Sun and Soil Requirements

For African Daisies, full sun is non-negotiable. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for their flowers to open fully and for the plant to thrive. The most critical soil requirement is excellent drainage. They despise “wet feet” and are prone to root rot in heavy, soggy clay soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or grow them in containers with a quality potting mix.

Calendula is a bit more forgiving. While it prefers full sun, it will happily tolerate part-shade, especially in hotter climates where a little afternoon relief is welcome. It’s not nearly as fussy about soil, adapting to a wide range of types as long as the ground isn’t a complete swamp.

Watering and Feeding Best Practices

When it comes to water, think of their origins. The African Daisy is quite drought-tolerant once its root system is established. Water it deeply but infrequently, letting the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. It’s a light feeder; too much fertilizer will result in lots of leaves but fewer flowers.

Calendula, on the other hand, prefers consistent moisture to produce the best blooms. Don’t let it dry out completely, especially during hot spells. A simple all-purpose flower food applied once a month during the growing season is plenty to keep it happy.

Pruning and Deadheading for Endless Blooms

This is one of the most important parts of this african daisy vs calendula care guide. Both plants benefit immensely from deadheading (removing spent flowers).

For African Daisies, snipping off old blooms tells the plant to put its energy into making more flowers instead of seeds. If your plant starts looking long and leggy mid-summer, don’t be afraid to give it a light haircut to encourage bushier growth.

With Calendula, deadheading is a strategic choice. If you want continuous blooms all season, snip away! If you want your Calendula to self-seed for next year, leave some of the last flowers of the season to mature and drop their seeds.

Benefits Beyond Beauty: How to Use African Daisy and Calendula

The benefits of african daisy vs calendula extend far beyond their pretty faces. They play very different roles in a garden ecosystem.

African Daisy: The Perfect Pop of Color

The African Daisy is an ornamental powerhouse. Its tidy, mounding habit and jaw-dropping colors make it a top choice for:

  • Containers and Window Boxes: They are the perfect “thriller” or “filler” element.
  • Border Edging: Use them at the front of a sunny border for a ribbon of vibrant color.
  • Mass Plantings: A large drift of African Daisies creates a breathtaking, low-maintenance groundcover for the season.

Calendula: The Edible and Eco-Friendly Workhorse

Calendula is the MVP of a truly functional and eco-friendly african daisy vs calendula garden. It’s a plant that gives back in so many ways:

  • Companion Planting: Its scent is known to deter pests like tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles, making it a great neighbor for your veggie patch.
  • Pollinator Magnet: Bees and other beneficial insects love its simple, accessible flowers.
  • Edible Flowers: Liven up your summer meals! Just be sure you’re growing them organically if you plan to eat them.
  • Cut Flowers: They make wonderfully cheerful, long-lasting additions to bouquets.

Common Problems with African Daisy vs Calendula (And How to Fix Them!)

Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners! But like any plant, you might run into a snag. Here are some common problems with african daisy vs calendula and how to solve them.

Why Aren’t My Plants Blooming?

If your African Daisy isn’t blooming or the flowers won’t open, the number one culprit is a lack of direct sun. Move it to a sunnier spot! Some older varieties also take a break during the peak heat of summer. Be patient, and they’ll often re-bloom as temperatures cool.

For Calendula, a lack of blooms is less common. It’s usually due to extreme heat, which can cause the plant to bolt (go to seed prematurely). Providing some afternoon shade and consistent water can help prolong the bloom season in hot areas.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

The best defense is a healthy plant! But if pests appear, here’s what to do for a sustainable african daisy vs calendula approach.

Aphids can sometimes bother both plants. A strong spray of water from the hose can often knock them off. For a more stubborn infestation, a gentle insecticidal soap is a great eco-friendly option.

The main disease to watch for is powdery mildew on Calendula, which looks like a white dusty coating on the leaves. It’s common in humid weather. Prevent it by ensuring good air circulation around your plants (don’t crowd them) and watering the soil, not the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Daisy vs Calendula

Are African daisies and calendula the same thing?

No, they are not. While they are distant cousins in the Asteraceae family, they are from different genera (Osteospermum vs. Calendula). They have different origins, care needs, and uses in the garden.

Which flower is easier for beginners to grow?

Hands down, Calendula is easier for a true beginner. It’s more tolerant of different soil types and partial shade, and its habit of self-seeding is very rewarding. African Daisies aren’t difficult, but their need for perfect drainage and full sun makes them slightly more particular.

Can I grow African daisies and calendula together?

Absolutely! They can look beautiful together. Just be mindful of their needs. Plant the sun-loving African Daisy in the sunniest part of the bed and the more adaptable Calendula nearby. Their contrasting colors and similar heights can create a lovely display.

Is calendula poisonous to pets?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is generally considered non-toxic and safe for cats, dogs, and other pets. The African Daisy (Osteospermum), however, is mildly toxic and can cause minor gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. It’s always a good practice to discourage pets from nibbling on any garden plants.

The Final Verdict: Which Bloom is for You?

So, after our deep dive into the african daisy vs calendula debate, which one has won a spot in your garden?

Choose the African Daisy if you want a breathtaking, modern, ornamental display in your sunniest spot. It’s for the gardener who wants vibrant, unique colors in containers and borders and doesn’t mind that its beauty is its primary purpose.

Choose the Calendula if you’re looking for a cheerful, multi-purpose plant that’s easy to grow, benefits your vegetable garden, and even has a place in your kitchen. It’s the perfect flower for a cottage garden, an edible landscape, or anyone practicing sustainable gardening.

Of course, the best answer might be: why not both? They offer different gifts to the garden, and there’s certainly room for each of their unique charms.

Whatever you choose, you’re bringing home a source of joy and color. Now you have all the knowledge you need to help them thrive. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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