Livingstone Daisy

Livingstone Daisy (Cleretum bellidiforme) is a low-growing succulent annual from the Cape Peninsula of South Africa, reaching 15–25 cm in height. It produces a profusion of iridescent, multi-petalled daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, cream, pink and crimson. A full-sun plant with fleshy, edible leaves, it thrives in well-drained, lean soils and is excellent for borders, edging, and containers.

Growing

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost risk passes, sowing at a depth of 0.5 cm in trays at a soil temperature of at least 15 °C. Germination occurs in 5–20 days. Prick out seedlings and grow on in a bright, cool spot. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures reliably stay above 5 °C and all frost risk has passed. Space plants 20 cm apart in a sunny, well-drained position.

Care

Water sparingly — Livingstone Daisy is succulent and drought-tolerant; overwatering causes root rot. Apply no or very low-nitrogen fertiliser; rich soil encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period. No staking is required. In containers, ensure excellent drainage.

Harvest

Flowers are ready to cut once they open fully and display their iridescent petals. Harvest individual blooms for cutting by snipping the stem close to its base. The plant blooms continuously from midsummer until the first frost ends the season — a window of roughly 60 days or more depending on conditions.

In the kitchen

The fleshy leaves are edible raw and have a mild, slightly salty flavour typical of succulent plants. Use young leaves as a curiosity garnish in salads or on canapés. The flowers are also edible and make colourful additions to summer salads and dessert plates.

Storing

Cut flowers last 3–5 days in a vase of water kept in a cool spot. Edible leaves are best used immediately after picking; store briefly in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper for up to 2 days. Seeds harvested from dried flower heads can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed envelope for up to 3 years.