Facts About Daisy Flowers

Overview

There are different varieties of wild and domesticated daisies. They are a common garden annual and roadside plant and are also found in open fields surrounded by tall grass. Often used in wildflower bouquets, daisies offer a delicate scent and a vast array of colors.

Types

Two common varieties of daisies are the Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) and the gerbera daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii). Other varieties of daisies include black-eyed Susan, feverfew, echinacea and fleabane (Blue Beauty).

Growing

Daisies require well-drained, fertile soil. Seeds are planted to 1/16 of an inch and lightly covered with soil. Germination will depend on the variety sown. Daisies will bloom from late spring until early fall.

Care

Fertilizing is required monthly. Regular deep morning watering should be done when the soil dries. To encourage more blooms, deadhead (remove spent blooms) on a regular basis.

Benefits

The wide varieties of sizes and colors make daisies a favorite cut flower. Daisies also stay fresher longer than most other cut flowers; depending on the variety, that may be 10 to 14 days.

Warnings

Daisies are susceptible to a fungal infection, Sclerotinia (white mold), which can be prevented by ensuring that soil is well drained. Common pests that can be treated with insecticide are spider mites, caterpillars, leaf miners and thrips.

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