Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) mostly affects lawn and turf. It is an annual weed with a rosette of grey-green, hairy, thick leaves and a taproot. Flowers are yellow and daisy-like with a black centre. Capeweed germinates in autumn, but seeds can stay dormant in soils for many years, waiting for the right conditions to germinate.

The best way to control capeweed is to eradicate it before it flowers and sets seed. Control it by weeding with a weeding tool or trowel when it’s still young. Ensure the entire taproot is removed to prevent regrowth.

If capeweed does take hold, a natural way to remove them is to cover them in weed mat, cardboard, or wads of newspaper to deprive them of sunlight and oxygen. Only use this method in areas without garden plants or lawn, as these will be smothered as well.

A natural organic herbicide such as EarthCare Organic WeedKiller will also help to control capeweed. It’s a glyphosate-free, non-selective, contact herbicide. Care must be taken when spraying near garden plants or lawns. Follow the directions on the container and ensure that all the parts of the leaf are totally covered with spray as it is a contact spray only. Repeat applications may be necessary.