2008

Osteospermum F1 ‘Asti White’
AAS Bedding Plant Award Winner

Pure white daisy flowers with blue centers are the main attraction for ‘Asti White.’ The large blooms, 2 to 2-1/2 inches across are borne on stems that gracefully wave in the wind. The thick fleshy leaves indicate its drought tolerance, which makes this a preferred annual in any area subject to dry conditions. ‘Asti White’ is the first white Osteospermum, or Cape Daisy, propagated from seed. There are several advantages. The flowers will remain open under cloudy conditions, unlike other daisy flowers originating from South Africa, which close. ‘Asti White’ plants will flower uniformly about 17 weeks from seed. Gardeners have the choice of growing from seed or purchasing plants depending upon their resources. ‘Asti White’ plants will bloom and recover from a slight frost. These plants can be placed in the spring or fall garden, weeks earlier than other tender annuals. The uniform plants thrive in a sunny garden, reaching about 17 to 20 inches tall and wide. ‘Asti White’ plants adapt perfectly to growing in containers, preferably 6-inch pots or larger. Bred and produced by Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.

AAS WINNER DATA

Genus species: Osteospermum ecklonis
Common names: African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, Cape Daisy
Unique qualities: First white osteospermum propagated from seed. Freedom of bloom and uniform size plants
Flower size: 2 to 2.5 inches
Color(s): White with blue center
Plant height: 17-20 inches
Plant width: 17-20 inches
Garden spacing: 12 inches apart
Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 17 weeks from seed
Closest comparison(s) on market: ‘Sky and Ice,’ ‘Passion Mix’