From my perspective as an Osteospermum, light is my primary source of energy. The process of flowering is incredibly energy-intensive. If I am placed in a location with too much shade, my photosynthetic machinery cannot produce enough sugars (photosynthates) to support both my vegetative growth and the high-cost process of blooming. I may appear healthy with lush, green leaves because I am prioritizing survival, but I simply do not have the surplus energy required to initiate and develop flower buds. I require a full sun environment to signal that conditions are optimal for reproduction and to fuel the entire process.
My root system absorbs nutrients from the soil, and the balance of these nutrients is crucial. If I am given a fertilizer with too much nitrogen (N), I receive a strong signal to focus all my resources on producing stems and leaves. This is because nitrogen is a key building block for chlorophyll and vegetative growth. While this might make me look large and bushy, it directs energy away from flowering. I thrive on a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to promote strong root development and, most importantly, flower bud formation. An excess of nitrogen puts my system out of balance.
My water needs are a constant balancing act. On one hand, if my roots are sitting in constantly waterlogged, soggy soil, they begin to suffocate and rot due to a lack of oxygen. A compromised root system cannot effectively absorb the water and nutrients I need to support any function, let alone flowering. I become stressed and focus solely on survival. On the other hand, if I am allowed to experience severe drought stress and wilt repeatedly, I will also become stressed. To conserve water and energy, I will abort any developing flower buds or refuse to produce them at all. I prefer consistent, moderate moisture where the soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
My biological purpose is to produce seeds to ensure the survival of my genetics. If my old, spent flowers are left on my stems, I will divert energy into developing seeds within the old flower head. This process, called setting seed, is a significant drain on my resources. By deadheading me—removing the faded flowers—you interrupt this cycle. This signals to me that I have not yet successfully reproduced, prompting me to produce more blooms in an attempt to achieve my goal. It redirects my energy from seed production back into creating new flowers.
I am genetically adapted to a specific climate, and extreme conditions cause me significant stress. During peak summer heat, especially in very humid regions, I may enter a state of semi-dormancy. The extreme temperatures are stressful and inefficient for my physiological processes, so I will often stop flowering to conserve energy until cooler temperatures return in late summer or early fall. Furthermore, if I am grown in a climate with harsh winters and am not a perennial variety, I will complete my life cycle in one season. After my main flowering period, my energy reserves may be depleted, and I will not bloom again.
