Find out how to grow this classic flower that looks great in any garden
THE margherita pizza ( Leucanthemum x superbum) is a hardy hybrid developed in the 1800s. There are 69 unique cultivars of the plant today, according to the Royal Horticulture Society.
There are single and double petal varieties of various sizes, but all have 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.
Daisy flowers attract butterflies and pollinators. It is best to plant them in early spring or summer, especially in cooler climates. Planted in the fall, they may not establish themselves before winter arrives, compromising the survival of the plant.
Once established, they are vigorous producers and spread easily through rhizomes. They make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers. Pet moms and dads need to be careful, as daisies are toxic to cats and dogs.
Common name Margherita pizza
botanical name Leucanthemum × Superbom
Family asteraceae
type of plant perennial
mature size 22cm-90cm high, 30cm-60cm wide
sun exposure complete, partial
soil type Clayey, moist, but well drained
soil pH Neutral
flowering time Spring Summer
flower color White
natal area North America
toxicity Toxic for pets
how to take care of daisies
Daisies are quite hardy and don’t require a lot of attention once established. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade and will tolerate varying soil conditions as long as they are well drained. They are drought tolerant and sometimes don’t cope with many pests or diseases.
They are short-lived perennials. This means they only live for a few years. To keep daisies year after year, introduce additional plants to the flower bed annually.
Lighting
These perennials love the sun and thrive environments in full light. However, daisy varieties adapt well to areas of partial sun and can tolerate some shade. Keep in mind that plants grown in full sun will produce more flowers.
Land
The rich and fertile soil will ensure a strong and healthy flowering season. However, daisies can survive even in poor soil conditions. They do best in soils rich in organic matter such as compost.
This not only provides the necessary nutrients, but 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-drained area.
Waterfall
Daisies enjoy moist conditions as long as the soil is well drained. Since they are sensitive to excess water, it is better to err on the side of lack than excess.
Once established, they are considered drought tolerant for short periods of time. Give them 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 manage extremely humid areas well, as this can contribute to excessively humid soil conditions that can cause rot.
Fertilizer
Since daisies prefer rich, fertile soil, it can be beneficial to add fertilizer to these plants annually. Compost or other organic material is a great way to fertilize them.
Add it in the spring to ensure a nutritional boost for the flowering season. Alternatively, you can apply a well-balanced fertilizer monthly throughout the summer.
propagation of daisies
The best form of propagation for these plants is division. Not only will this produce more plants, but it will help extend the lifespan. Ideally, it is best to divide the plant every two years or so in spring or early fall after the daisies have finished blooming. To divide the daisies, you will need gloves, a large spade, a hand spade and a sharp pair of scissors.
- Using the large spade, gently loosen the soil around the entire plant, making a circle until the root system has loosened;
- When the roots can be lifted off the ground, remove the entire plant;
- Using shovels and scissors, divide the plant by cutting off the root system. Make sure each division has healthy roots and foliage.
- Replant the daisy. Move each division to its location, preparing the soil first, adding compost.
How to grow daisies from seeds
To sow outdoors, follow these instructions:
- In spring or early autumn sow in fertile, well-draining soil. See specific growing instructions for spacing. It is best 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 out the seedlings, keeping only the strongest and healthiest ones;
- Water regularly until the seedlings have established.
To start daisies indoors, follow these instructions:
- Prepare small pots with fertile soil in the middle of winter;
- Gently press the daisy seeds into moist soil. Do not completely cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate;
- Place them in a sunny spot and keep the soil evenly moist;
- After germination, select the seedlings, keeping only the strongest and healthiest ones;
- In spring, slowly harden the seedlings to prepare them for the vegetable garden;
- When they are strong enough to stand outdoors, plant them in their permanent positions.
Potting and replanting of the daisy
With so many types of pots available, it is important to know that the mature size of each variety of daisy is very different. Some dwarf varieties are less than 30 centimeters tall, which makes them perfect for small pots, such as on an outdoor table.
Others reach even a meter and a half in height and should be stored in large containers. Make sure you choose an appropriate vase for your daisy’s mature size. They should be grown in pots with drainage holes, as soggy soil can cause rot. Once you have selected a suitable pot, fill it with rich, fertile soil.
Potted daisies appreciate compost or fertilizer and regular watering. Place the pot in a sunny or slightly shaded area and keep the soil slightly moist. If the daisy is growing from the pot, gently loosen the roots and divide the plant.
Hibernation
In areas with warm winters, daisy foliage can be kept all year round. For areas with cold winters, the daisy requires some protection.
When the plant begins to wilt in the fall, prune the foliage closer to ground level. Then cover the plant with an extra layer of mulch to provide protection from low temperatures.
How to make plants bloom
Daisy flowers can reach 22cm to 1.20m in height, with each flower measuring several centimeters. Like other varieties of daisies, they have an iconic shape with a bright yellow center and long white petals. These perennials bloom during the summer months for several years.
To encourage abundant flowering, be sure to cut back depleted flowers during the growing season. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Since daisies are short-lived perennials, it’s best to plant more daisies every year to keep your daisy bed full and blooming. This prevents any interruption of flowering as the older plants fade away.
common problems
Daisies are hardy perennials and don’t tend to have a lot of problems. However, the most common problems these daisies encounter are rot and fungus.
fungus
acremonium And whorl are fungi that can affect daisy plants. Both have similar symptoms and cause yellowing and leaf drop. THE whorl it usually reaches cool temperatures and spreads from the basal leaves to the outer leaves.
acremonium loves soggy soil and usually appears on one side of a plant. To get rid of it, remove and discard any diseased leaves and roots. Keep the daisies in a sunny spot and water only when needed.
Rot
Rot, like root rot, thrives in humid environments. This can cause withering and death of the stems. 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 is well-draining, so plant only healthy sections. Discard diseased plants.
FAQ
Do daisies bloom every year? Yes, daisies are considered to be short-lived perennials. Therefore, these bright white flowers return each year for several years before the plant fades.
Does the daisy require full sun? Shasta daisies benefit from full sun conditions but can also be grown in partially shaded areas. Just make sure you keep them out of complete shade.
In what months do daisy plants bloom? Each strain will have slightly different flowering times. Some daisies bloom in late spring and others bloom in the fall.
* Via L’abete
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
