Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Take Care of Daisy Flowers

...
daisies image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

Tip

Dig up and replant your daisies about every three years if they are planted in an area where they can’t grow undisturbed for several years.

English daisies are a popular variety but they can spread quickly and become overbearing. In some regions in the northwest United States they are even considered a weed. If you choose to grow English daisies you can control their growth by removing any unwanted plants.

Daisy leaves are an edible green that can be enjoyed in salads.

Daisies are a classic, beloved garden flower. They brighten up any yard and can be enjoyed for many years with proper care and cultural practices. Considered a perennial (in very cold regions, some varieties are considered annuals), daisy flowers are fairly easy to grow. Although there are many varieties of daisies there are some basic care tips that apply to most. The Anglo-Saxon origin of the word daisy is “daes eage,” meaning “day’s eye” because of the fact that daisy’s blossoms open right at the beginning of the day. They are a symbol of purity and innocence.

Choose an area that receives full sun exposure. Clear away any weeds and loosen up the soil with a hand shovel or a spade.

Use organically rich, well-drained soil and mix in about 4 inches of compost. Plant transplants or sow the daisy seeds yourself. Space them 9 to 12 inches apart and lightly pack more soil over them. Add about an inch of mulch to retain moisture and to prevent weeds. Water thoroughly.

Water regularly; if you planted seeds they will need to be watered more frequently (possibly twice a day) until they germinate, particularly if you live in a dry, hot region.

Add a general purpose fertilizer early in the growth stage, or about two weeks after the seeds have germinated. At the beginning of every spring season add more mulch and fertilizer.

Control pests by spraying them with a strong stream of water or hand-picking them off. Daisies usually don’t have major issues with pests but if necessary you can use an insecticide on them.

Remove and discard any diseased areas immediately. Treat with a fungicide if the problem becomes persistent.

Cut stems down after the first frost in the fall, leaving approximately an inch of stem above the soil line. Adding a thick layer of mulch will help protect your daisies over the winter season.

Related Articles

Are Dahlias Annual or Perennials?
Are Dahlias Annual or Perennials?
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
Are Zinnias Annuals or Perennials?
Are Zinnias Annuals or Perennials?
Flowers That Bloom All Season
Flowers That Bloom All Season
Plant Structure of a Daisy
Plant Structure of a Daisy
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
How to Prune Shasta Daisy
How to Prune Shasta Daisy
Do Gerber Daisies Come Back Every Year?
Do Gerber Daisies Come Back Every Year?
Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
How to Grow Gladiolus Bulbs Indoors
How to Grow Gladiolus Bulbs Indoors
Types of White Daisies
Types of White Daisies
How to Take Care of Carnations
How to Take Care of Carnations
Perennial Flowers That Grow Well on the Coast of Maine
Perennial Flowers That Grow Well on the Coast of Maine
How to Winterize Gerber Daisies
How to Winterize Gerber Daisies
The Importance of Rose Flowers
The Importance of Rose Flowers
How to Deadhead Carnations
How to Deadhead Carnations
Garden Guides
×