How to plant and care for daisies

A daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a hardy hybrid developed in the 1800s. Today, there are 69 unique cultivars of the plant, according to the Royal Horticulture Society.

There are varieties with single and double petals and in different sizes, but all bear bright white flowers with yellow centers. They have thick, leathery, deep green foliage. In warm climates, the foliage is considered evergreen and will remain year-round.

The daisy flowers attract butterflies and pollinators. It’s best to plant them in early spring or summer, especially in cooler climates. Planted in autumn, they may not establish themselves before the onset of winter, compromising the plant’s survival.

Once established, they are vigorous producers and easily spread via rhizomes. They make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers. Mothers and fathers of pets need to pay attention, because daisies are toxic to dogs and cats.

Common name Daisy
botanical name Leucanthemus × Superbom
Family Asteraceae
plant type perennial
mature size 22cm- 90cm high, 30cm-60cm wide
sun exposure complete, partial
soil type Loamy, moist, but well drained
soil pH Neutral
flowering time Spring / summer
flower color White
native area North America
toxicity toxic for pets

How to care for daisies

Daisies are quite hardy and don’t require much attention once established. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade and tolerate varying soil conditions as long as they are well drained. They are resistant to drought and sometimes do not face many pests or diseases.

They are short-lived perennial plants. This means they only live for a few years. To maintain daisies year after year, introduce additional plants to the garden bed annually.

Lighting

These perennial plants love the sun and thrive in full light environments. However, daisy varieties do well in areas of partial sun and can tolerate some shade. Keep in mind that plants grown in full sun will produce more flowers.

Ground

Rich, fertile soil will ensure a tough, healthy flowering season. However, daisies can also survive in poor soil conditions. They do best in soil rich in organic matter, such as compost.

Not only does this provide necessary nutrients, but it also ensures proper soil drainage, another key factor in the health of these plants. They do not tolerate soggy soil and should be planted in a well-draining area.

Water

Daisies enjoy moist conditions as long as the soil is well-draining. As they are sensitive to excess waterit is better to err by lack than by excess.

Once established, they are considered drought tolerant for short periods of time. Provide about an inch of water every week to keep them healthy and hydrated.

Temperature and Humidity

Daisies are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. However, they do not do well in extremely wet areas, as this can contribute to overly wet soil conditions that can cause rot.

Fertilizer

Since daisies prefer rich, fertile soil, it can be beneficial to add fertilizer to these plants every year. Compost or other organic material is a great way to fertilize them.

Add it in the spring to ensure a nutrient boost for the flowering season. Alternatively, you can apply a well-balanced fertilizer monthly throughout the summer.

propagation of daisies

The best way to propagate these plants is division. Not only will this produce more plants, but it will help increase the shelf life. Ideally, it’s best to divide the plant every two years or so in spring or early fall, after the daisies have finished blooming. To divide daisies, you will need gloves, a large shovel, a hand shovel and a pair of sharp scissors.

• Using the large shovel, gently loosen the soil around the entire plant, making a circle until the root system is loose;
• When the roots can be lifted from the soil, remove the entire plant;
• Using the shovels and shears, divide the plant by cutting the root system. Make sure each division has healthy roots and foliage.
• Plant the daisy back. Move each division to its own location, preparing the soil first by adding compost.

How to grow daisies from seeds

To sow outdoors, follow these instructions:

• In spring or early fall, sow in fertile, well-draining soil. See specific grow instructions for spacing. It is better to plant a few seeds in separate places. Make sure you don’t bury the seeds completely, as they need light to germinate;
• Once germinated, thin the seedlings, keeping only the strongest and healthiest looking ones;
• Water regularly until seedlings are established.

To start daisies indoors, follow these instructions:

• Prepare small pots with rich soil in mid-winter;
• Gently press the daisy seeds into moist soil. Do not cover the seeds completely, as they need light to germinate;
• Place them in a sunny location and keep the soil evenly moist;
• After germinating, select the seedlings, keeping only the strongest and healthiest;
• In spring, slowly harden the seedlings to prepare them for the garden;
• When they are strong enough to be outdoors, plant them in their permanent locations.

Daisy potting and replanting

With so many types of vases available, it is important to know that the mature size each variety of daisy is very different. Some dwarf varieties grow to under 12 inches tall, making them perfect for small pots, such as on an outdoor table.

Others reach up to one and a half meters in height and must be kept in large containers. Be sure to choose an appropriate pot for your daisy’s mature size. They should be grown in pots with drainage holes, as soggy soil can cause rot. Once a suitable pot is selected, fill it with rich, fertile soil.

Potted daisies enjoy compost or fertilizer and regular watering. Place the pot in a sunny or lightly shaded area and keep the soil slightly moist. If the daisy outgrows the pot, gently loosen the roots and divide the plant.

Hibernation

In areas with warm winters, daisy foliage can be maintained year-round. For areas with cold winters, the daisy requires some protection.

When the plant begins to wither in the fall, prune the foliage back to near ground level. Then cover the plant with an extra layer of mulch to provide protection from the cold temperatures.

How to make plants bloom

Daisy flowers can reach 22 cm to 1.20 m in height, with each flower measuring several centimeters. Like other daisy varieties, they have an iconic shape with a bright yellow center and long, white petals. These perennial plants bloom during the summer months for several years.

To encourage abundant flowering, be sure to trim spent blooms throughout the growing season. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

Since daisies are short-lived perennials, it’s best to plant additional daisies each year to keep the daisy bed full and blooming. This avoids any pauses in flowering as the older plants fade.

common problems

Daisies are hardy perennials and don’t tend to have many problems. However, the most common problems these daisies encounter are rot and fungus.

fungi

acremonium It is verticillium are fungi that can affect daisy plants. Both have similar symptoms and cause yellowing and falling foliage. A verticillium it usually reaches cool temperatures and spreads from basal leaves to outer leaves.

acremonium likes soggy soil and usually appears on one side of a plant. To get rid of them, remove and discard any diseased leaves and roots. Keep the daisies in a sunny spot and water only when necessary.

Rot

The rot, like root rot, thrives in moist environments. This can cause the stems to wilt and die. If you suspect your plant has root rot, gently dig up the plant and cut off the infected roots and foliage. Make sure the soil drains well, then only plant the healthy sections. Discard diseased plants.

*Via The Spruce