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Osteospermum and Arctitis shrivelled buds

AlisonnnAlisonnn Posts: 8
in Problem solving
There were lots of buds on the Osteospermum and Arctitis I just bought but as soon as they look like they are starting to open the new petals just shrivel up and go all brown and crispy. Some plants are in the ground, some in a container.  New to gardening and no idea what I am doing wrong! 

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 9,565
    Did you soak the root balls before planting? Anything planted dry can struggle even if you water after planting.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • AlisonnnAlisonnn Posts: 8
    Thanks.  I don’t think I did, I just watered well after planting as I thought that would be sufficient. I will be sure to soak the roots of future plants going forward though.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 9,565
    What I do is plunge the pot in a bucket of water and hold it under until the air bubbles stop coming up, then let it drain for 10minutes or so before planting. It sounds cruel but it makes sure the root ball is moist right through. Hope that helps with your future planting. Your plants will most likely grow fresh flower buds but for now they'll be concentrating on getting their roots down. Deadheading the faded buds/flowers will help.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • AlisonnnAlisonnn Posts: 8
    Thanks for the advice. I also moved the plants from one place to another a couple of days after planting initially which probably didn’t help either. 
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