Livingstone Daisy Seeds, Dorotheanthus bellidiformis Flower Seeds
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis • Aizoaceae • Native to South Africa
Grow Livingstone Daisy Seeds, Dorotheanthus bellidiformis for colorful blooms in home gardens. Ideal for borders, pots, pollinator beds, and cut flower displays, with fresh seed packs for easy seasonal planting.
Plant Name: Ice Plant Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Ice Plant Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Overwatering or planting in heavy, poorly drained soil is the single most common reason these plants fail, as their succulent nature makes them highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Botanical profile
Meet the Livingstone Daisy
Step-by-step planting
Growing Livingstone daisies from seed is straightforward when you respect their preference for warmth, sunshine, and lean soil conditions.
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1
Choose the Right Location
Select a spot that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, as shaded positions will result in weak growth and flowers that rarely open properly.
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2
Prepare a Lean, Free-Draining Bed
Work the soil to a fine tilth and, if drainage is at all questionable, incorporate coarse grit or perlite at roughly 20 to 30 percent by volume before sowing.
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3
Sow at the Right Time
Sow directly outdoors after your last frost date once soil temperature has reached at least 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, or start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting time.
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4
Surface Sow and Press Lightly
Scatter seeds thinly on the soil surface and press them gently into contact with the soil without covering them, as Livingstone daisy seeds require light to trigger germination.
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5
Water Carefully at First
Keep the seedbed lightly and evenly moist using a fine mist or rose watering can until seedlings establish, then reduce watering significantly and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
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6
Thin Seedlings to Proper Spacing
Once seedlings reach about 3 to 4 cm tall, thin them to approximately 15 to 20 cm apart to allow good air circulation and give each plant room to spread as a ground cover annual.
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7
Deadhead to Extend Flowering
Remove spent blooms regularly throughout the season to encourage the plant to continue producing new flowers rather than setting seed prematurely.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Livingstone Daisy Seeds
When should I sow Livingstone daisy seeds?
For direct outdoor sowing, wait until after your last frost date and soil temperatures are consistently at or above 15 degrees Celsius, which typically falls in mid to late spring in temperate climates. If you want earlier flowers, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your expected last frost, using small pots or modules filled with a gritty, free-draining seed compost. In mild, frost-free climates, autumn sowing is also possible and can produce earlier blooms the following year.
Do Livingstone daisy seeds need light or dark to germinate?
These seeds are light-dependent germinators, meaning they should be placed on the surface of the soil and pressed gently into contact rather than buried. Even a thin covering of compost can reduce germination success noticeably, so resist the urge to cover them. Germination timing varies depending on soil temperature, moisture consistency, and growing conditions, so patience during this stage is worthwhile.
How far apart should I space Livingstone daisies?
A spacing of 15 to 20 cm between plants is generally practical and allows each plant to fill out naturally without crowding its neighbours. Tighter spacing can lead to reduced air circulation and increased risk of fungal issues, particularly in humid climates. If you are growing them specifically as rock garden flower seeds or for a dense ground cover effect, planting toward the closer end of that range will give you a fuller carpet of colour.
Are Livingstone daisies drought tolerant?
Yes, they are genuinely drought tolerant once established, having evolved in the semi-arid regions of South Africa where rainfall is sparse and soils are sandy and fast-draining. During establishment, consistent light moisture helps seedlings root well, but mature plants actively prefer to dry out between waterings and will decline quickly if kept too wet. This makes them a practical choice for low-maintenance summer beds, slopes, and containers where watering is irregular.
Can Livingstone daisies grow in containers or pots?
They do very well in containers provided the pot has adequate drainage holes and you use a gritty, free-draining mix rather than a standard peat-heavy potting compost. Terracotta pots are particularly suitable because they allow moisture to evaporate through the walls, which suits the plant's preference for drier root conditions. Place containers in full sun and avoid saucers that collect standing water beneath the pot.
Do Livingstone daisies self-seed in the garden?
In warm, sunny gardens with free-draining soil they can self-seed modestly, though they are not aggressively self-seeding in the way some annuals can be. Whether volunteer seedlings appear will depend on your local climate, soil conditions, and whether the parent plants are allowed to set seed at the end of the season. If you want to collect seed intentionally, allow a few spent flowerheads to mature fully on the plant before the first autumn frosts.
Are Livingstone daisies edible or toxic to pets?
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis is not classified as a toxic plant for dogs, cats, or humans in mainstream horticultural and veterinary references, but it is also not a food plant and should not be consumed. If you have pets that graze on garden plants, it is always sensible to monitor their behaviour and consult a vet if you observe any unusual reactions after contact with any garden plant. For confirmed toxicity information specific to your pet species, a veterinary professional is the most reliable source.