Updated on December 19, 2024 by Ruth
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Welcome to the wonderful world of daisies, where sunny blooms and cheerful petals brighten any garden! Growing daisies is a delightful experience, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. These resilient flowers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile choice for adding color and charm to your outdoor space. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully grow daisies in your garden, from selecting the right variety to caring for these lovely flowers throughout the seasons. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of growing daisies!
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Daisies are perennials in many growing zones
Daisies are perennials in a wide range of growing zones, depending on the specific variety. However, many common daisy varieties are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9. Some varieties, such as the Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), are even more cold-hardy and can be grown in zones 3-9. Others, such as the Gerbera Daisy, are hardy in zones 8-9.
Depending on the variety, daisies can grown in wet or dry climates, on mountains or flat, grassy fields. It’s always best to check the specific requirements for the daisy variety you are interested in growing to ensure it is suitable for your particular climate.
Different types of daisies
The term “daisy” is often used to refer to several different plants, usually characterized by their simple, open-faced flowers with a central disc surrounded by petals. Some of the plants commonly referred to as daisies include:
Bellis perennis (Common Daisy): This is the classic daisy with white petals and a yellow center. It is a low-growing perennial often found in lawns and meadows.
Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy): Similar in appearance to the common daisy but with larger, white petals and a yellow center. It is also a perennial and can be invasive in some areas.
Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy): A popular garden perennial with large, white, daisy-like flowers. It is known for its long bloom time and is a favorite for cut flower arrangements.
Asteraceae Family (Asters): Many flowers in the aster family are called daisies, including Michaelmas daisies (Symphyotrichum spp.) and New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). These plants have daisy-like flowers with a central disc and radiating petals in shades of white, pink, purple, or blue.
Erigeron spp. (Fleabane): Fleabane flowers are also often called daisies. They have small, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple and are often seen in wildflower meadows.
The herbs chamomile and feverfew are often described as having daisy-like flowers. Their tiny flowers are perfect miniatures of daisies, but the herbs are not in the daisy family. Sunflowers are cousins to daisies.
These are just a few examples of plants commonly referred to as daisies. The term “daisy” is used loosely and can vary depending on region and context. What they have in common is a ring of petals around a center bud, usually yellow in color, but sometimes green, brown, or burgundy. The plant closes its petals at night and then opens in the morning.
Daisies are edible, making them wonderful decorative additions to salads, cookies, cakes, and teas.
Can you grow daisies from seed?
Yes, you can grow daisies from seed! Growing daisies from seed is a rewarding process that allows you to enjoy these cheerful flowers in your garden. Here’s how you can do it:
Choose the Right Seeds: Select high-quality daisy seeds from a reputable supplier. There are many varieties of daisies to choose from, so pick the ones that best suit your garden’s needs and your climate.
Prepare the Soil: Daisies prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Work the soil to a fine texture and remove any debris or weeds.
Sow the Seeds: Sow the daisy seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or late summer. Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged.
Provide Adequate Sunlight: Daisies thrive in full sun, so choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting. More shade means fewer flowers. Daisies will still produce flowers in half-day sun, but you will not have as many when the plant receives sun all day.
Water Regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate and seedlings establish. Once established, daisies are fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
Thin the Seedlings: Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them to allow room for growth. Space the seedlings according to the recommendations on the seed packet.
Mulch and Fertilize: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Protect from Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that may affect your daisies. Treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
With proper care and attention, your daisy seeds should germinate and grow into beautiful, blooming plants that will brighten your garden with their cheerful flowers.
Keep in mind that perennials grown from seed rarely bloom the first year. You should see flowers the second year and thereafter. The plant will grow a little larger each year as well, even though it will go into dormancy during the cold months. Daisies will also slowly spread in the garden, so be prepared to give them extra growing room or to divide the plants after a few years.
The benefits of buying your daisy plant from the local farm that grew it
Buying a perennial daisy from your local farm can offer several benefits:
Supporting Local Economy: By purchasing from a local farm, you are supporting your local economy and helping to sustain local agriculture.
Freshness and Quality: Perennial daisies grown locally are often fresher and of higher quality than those that have been shipped long distances. This can result in healthier, more vigorous plants that are better adapted to your local growing conditions.
Variety Selection: Local farms may offer a wider variety of perennial daisies than large commercial retailers, allowing you to choose from a greater selection of colors, sizes, and bloom times.
Environmental Impact: Buying locally grown plants reduces the environmental impact of transportation and supports sustainable farming practices.
Expertise and Advice: Local farmers are often knowledgeable about the plants they grow and can offer valuable advice on planting and care specific to your region.
Overall, buying a perennial daisy from your local farm not only benefits you as a gardener but also supports your local community and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Winter care for your daisy
The care daisies need for the winter depends on the specific variety and your growing zone. However, here are some general guidelines for caring for daisies during the winter months:
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil.
Watering: Water daisies sparingly during the winter, especially if your area experiences long periods of dry weather. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Trim back any dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early winter to tidy up the plants and promote healthy growth in the spring.
Protecting from Frost: If you live in a colder climate, consider covering your daisies with a frost cloth or blanket on particularly cold nights to protect them from frost damage.
Dividing: If your daisies have become overcrowded, consider dividing them in the fall or early spring to promote healthy growth.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids or spider mites, that may overwinter on your daisies. Treat any infestations promptly to prevent them from spreading.
By providing your daisies with the proper care during the winter months, you can help ensure that they survive the cold weather and come back strong and healthy in the spring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing daisies can be a rewarding experience that adds beauty and cheer to your garden. Daisies are great for your growing habitat, as they are a favorite of all the pollinators.
Whether you’re starting from seed or purchasing plants, selecting the right variety for your growing zone and conditions is key. When possible, consider getting your daisy plants from a local farm or nursery. Not only does this support your local economy, but it also ensures that you’re getting plants that are well-suited to your region.
With the proper care and attention, your daisies will thrive, providing you with years of vibrant blooms and garden enjoyment. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and watch your daisies bloom and brighten your garden and your spirits.
If you are close to us, near Wilmington, Delaware, we invite you to visit out farm market. In the spring, we have lots of daisies, other perennials including native perennials, and many flowering plants that we have grown. If you are at a distance, please find a grower near you that has healthy, happy plants that will make your garden beautiful.
Happy growing!
~ Ruth
Additional resources
5 Fascinating Facts About Daisies That Will Make You Smile
8 Interesting Daisy Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
