From making daisy chains to “he loves me, he loves me not”, there’s no denying the societal impact the humble daisy has made. But did you know that these flowers are also incredibly easy to grow?
Fans of this pretty, dainty flower may be interested in learning more about how to grow daisies. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started with growing daisies.
Different varieties of daisies
There are a few different varieties of daisies that can be grown in Australian gardens, and the first step is to figure out which ones you’d like to bring into your outdoor space.
Some of the most popular types of daisies include:
Everlasting daisies
Everlasting daisies are a long-lasting option for gardens. They can bloom for several months at a time and their flowers hold up well when used in floral arrangements. They’re an Australian native with blooms in a wide range of different colours.
Shasta daisies
With their white petals and bright yellow centres, shasta daisies are a classic choice. These flowers often bloom all year-round, providing a consistent coverage for your space. They require very little care and maintenance, making them a great option for beginner gardeners.
Gerbera daisies
Originally from South Africa, gerbera daisies present a popular choice for those looking to inject colour into their garden. They’re a little bit higher maintenance than the other daisies on this list, but are a truly stunning garden addition.
Cape daisies
The typically pastel purple hues of cape daisies make them a popular choice for gardeners. Also available in pink, white, and yellow shades, these flowers are hardy, presenting a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant option.
How to grow daisies
For this step-by-step guide, we’ll be focusing on how to grow everlasting daisies in your garden. However, most daisies can be grown following a similar method.
These Australian natives are great for attracting bees and butterflies.
Step 1: Purchase your seeds
The first task is to head to your local nursery or gardening store and purchase some everlasting daisy seeds. You can also order them online if you prefer. Everlasting daisies grow well from seeds, so you won’t need to worry about extra germination steps.
Step 2: Plant the seeds
To begin with, you may like to plant your seeds in a sowing tray. This gives them a little more protection as they sprout. When planting the seeds, cover them with a light amount of soil. Everlasting daisy seeds are quite dainty, so you don’t want to lose them too deep in the dirt. Rather than watering these seeds directly, try misting them instead. Place them in a sunny spot.
Step 3: Transfer the seedlings
After a week or two, your everlasting daisies should have started to sprout! Once they get between 5-10cm tall, it’s time to plant them in your garden or designated pot. Locate a sunny spot with regular to sandy soil. Alternatively, you might like to grow them in a pot. Moisten the soil before you plant. Gently remove the seedlings from their tray and plant them in the soil, spacing them about 30-50cm apart.
Step 4: Mulch and water well
Next, you’ll want to add some mulch around the seedlings and water them in well so that the roots can establish themselves. You should water them on a regular basis, keeping the soil moist when possible.
Step 5: Care for your daisies
Everlasting daisies are incredibly low maintenance, meaning caring for them won’t take a lot of your time. While these plants don’t require fertiliser to grow well, giving them a bit of a boost every now and then should result in more blooms.
How long do daisies take to grow?
When it comes to growing everlasting daisies, you should begin to notice sprouting around 7 to 14 days after sowing the seeds.
These plants generally last around two years (provided proper care is taken) before dying off. To keep a steady supply of everlasting daisies growing in your garden, try adding new plants to the space each year.
When to plant daisies in Australia
Everlasting daisies should be planted during the period of spring through autumn for best results. It’s best not to try to grow them during the winter.
For shasta daisies, you should aim to sow seeds either in early spring or later summertime. This is because the seeds like to germinate in the warmth.
When to plant your daisies can also depend on the area of Australia you live in. Those in warmer climates may have a little more flexibility on when they can plant their daisies.
Growing daisies can be a fun and rewarding experience, providing you with a beautiful display of flowers for your garden. By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to growing your very own daisies.
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