Queen of the field flower seeds (Arctotis) Arctotis fastuosa

Common name: Queen of the Field. Scientific name: Arctotis fastuosa. Also called: Arctotis - Bear's Ear. Native habitat: South Africa and Namibia. Description of the Queen of the Field plant (Arctotis): Queen of the Field (Arctotis) is an annual herbaceous plant, with soft stems that branch at the base from below. Its height ranges between 30-75 cm. Its leaves are long, divided, and arranged alternately along the stem, light green in color, covered with white hairs on both sides, giving the plant a greenish to silvery color. It is one of the most beautiful flowering plants, growing quickly to moderately. Description of the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): The flowers are solitary, silky, with a pleasant scent, reaching a diameter of up to 10 cm. The petals are white, orange, and yellow, all sharing the same color as the disc, which features a gradient of colors starting from black at the base or dark brown, progressing to purple shades where the petals are decorated from below. They resemble chamomile flowers and bloom in spring, autumn, and for a long period during summer. Uses and benefits of the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): - A food source for bees, containing nectar and pollen. - For beautification in parks and public gardens. - For beautification in home gardens and walkways, where it can be planted in containers and flower beds. - For decoration in road islands and edges. Suitable climate for growing the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): - Thrives in warm climatic conditions. - Tolerant of heat and drought. - Needs full sun. - Grows in a moderate climate. Method of propagation of the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): - Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Timing for planting the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): - Planted in winter, after the end of frost. Suitable soil for planting Queen of the Field (Arctotis): - Sandy soil. - Light clay soil with good drainage. Method of planting the Queen of the Field flower (Arctotis): - Plant directly in the ground or in containers by scattering seeds on the soil surface. - Cover with a layer of soil about 1 cm thick. - Water by spraying, using a water spray gun for seeds planted in the ground and a spray bottle for seeds in containers. - Cover the soil with transparent plastic sheets (low-density polyethylene) to ensure good sunlight penetration. - When the plant begins to grow upwards and appears above the soil surface, and after the leaves form, remove the plastic sheets. - Regular watering, especially in summer when the soil surface dries out, shifting from top watering to watering the soil beneath the plant.