Osteospermum ecklonis Akila Daisy White


Gold Medal Approved Novelty

A whirl of white in the garden? Akila Daisy White is the first F1 hybrid seed-raised Osteospermum ecklonis with white flowers and yellow disks. Moreover, this new variety flowers earlier and more freely from early spring to late autumn. Akila Daisy White thrives best in a pot, container or border in a temperate climate. Perfect for adding a flurry of white to gardens, this Osteospermum ecklonis has numerous flowers that open during day and close at night. Akila Daisy winks the day away, now also in white!

Akila Daisy White is also the recipient of the All-America Selections award for performance in North American trials. 

In detail
Fleuroselect awards a Gold Medal to genuine breakthroughs in breeding. Being the first F1 hybrid Osteospermum from seed in this colour, this newcomer impressed the Fleuroselect judges with its unique, white shade. The jury underlined the advantages for growers and retailers as this white Osteospermum complements the existing range beautifully. Therefore, Akila Daisy White has truly earned its spot in the Fleuroselect Gold Medal gallery.
Market value
Growers and young plant producers will rave about Akila Daisy White as it is seed-raised with a high germination rate, meaning that plants are easy to grow at any time. Moreover, this Osteospermum ecklonis flowers earlier and more freely during its life cycle. Retail can now offer a top-quality series in premium packs as Akila Daisy White complements the existing range perfectly. This appealing newcomer shows an excellent garden performance in pots and bedding, which will finally convince consumers. Akila Daisy White, a wonderful whirl of white in the garden! 
Background information
Osteospermum, commonly named Cape Daisy or African Daisy, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Native to South Africa, they like sunny, well-drained conditions and are considered a tender perennial. The name Daisy comes from “day’s eye” because the flower is only open during the day and closes up at night.

In detail

Fleuroselect awards a Gold Medal to genuine breakthroughs in breeding. Being the first F1 hybrid Osteospermum from seed in this colour, this newcomer impressed the Fleuroselect judges with its unique, white shade. The jury underlined the advantages for growers and retailers as this white Osteospermum complements the existing range beautifully. Therefore, Akila Daisy White has truly earned its spot in the Fleuroselect Gold Medal gallery.

Market Value

Growers and young plant producers will rave about Akila Daisy White as it is seed-raised with a high germination rate, meaning that plants are easy to grow at any time. Moreover, this Osteospermum ecklonis flowers earlier and more freely during its life cycle. Retail can now offer a top-quality series in premium packs as Akila Daisy White complements the existing range perfectly. This appealing newcomer shows an excellent garden performance in pots and bedding, which will finally convince consumers. Akila Daisy White, a wonderful whirl of white in the garden! 

Background Information

Osteospermum, commonly named Cape Daisy or African Daisy, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Native to South Africa, they like sunny, well-drained conditions and are considered a tender perennial. The name Daisy comes from “day’s eye” because the flower is only open during the day and closes up at night.

Technical information

Novelty Characteristic:
Akila Daisy White is the first F1 hybrid seed-raised Osteospermum ecklonis with white flowers and yellow discs.
Colour:
Pure white, yellow discs
Flower:
Single - 5 cm diameter
Flowering Period:
Early Spring to late Autumn
Type:
Annual, F1 hybrid, diploid
Use:
Bedding plant
Seed:
Approx. 60 seeds/gram; germination rate 85%
Plant:
Height 45 cm, spread 45 cm, upright mounded plant form
Growing:

Sow 70 days before transplantation date in a well-drained, soilless media with a pH of 5.8-6.2 and EC 0.75 mmhos/cm. Maintain 18°C and 95% relative humidity. Germination takes place in 5-6 days. Grow at 16-21°C during day and 10-13°C at night with a high light intensity. As of two weeks after TP, apply B9 (alar) 2500 ppm/CCC 500 if needed. Cultivate at average fertility, high light level and cool nights. Transplant green/budded to garden in a 10.5 cm pot.

Planting:
Plant out at 25cm x 25cm distance in a sunny spot.

Registration details

Breeder:
PanAmerican Seed
Entry number:
06/11_1