Few flowers brighten up a garden like the simple, sunny daisy. With their classic white petals and golden centers (though many colorful varieties exist), daisies symbolize innocence, purity, and cheerfulness. Best of all, these easy-going perennials are perfect for beginner gardeners, requiring minimal fuss to thrive.
If you’ve been dreaming of adding a touch of old-fashioned charm to your garden, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to start growing daisies — from selecting varieties to planting, caring, and keeping them blooming year after year.
Why Grow Daisies?
Before you dive into planting, let’s look at a few reasons why daisies are worth a spot in your garden:
- Low Maintenance: Daisies are hardy, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant.
- Long Bloom Season: Many varieties bloom from late spring to fall.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects love them.
- Versatile Uses: Ideal for garden borders, containers, meadows, and cutting gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Perfect for beginners and those with little gardening experience.
Popular Types of Daisies to Grow
Though most people picture the classic white-and-yellow blooms, daisies come in several varieties, each with its own personality and growing preferences.
| Type | Features | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) | Large white flowers, sturdy stems | Early to late summer |
| Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) | Wildflower type, naturalizes easily | Early summer |
| Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) | Bold, colorful blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow | Spring through fall |
| English Daisy (Bellis perennis) | Small, button-like flowers, often pink or red | Spring |
| African Daisy (Osteospermum) | Drought-tolerant, vibrant colors | Late spring to fall |
Pro Tip:
For a long-lasting, dynamic display, mix early, mid, and late-blooming types.
Best Time to Plant Daisies
Timing depends on the type of daisy and your growing zone, but here’s a general guideline:
- Perennial daisies (like Shasta and Oxeye): Plant in early spring after the last frost or early fall.
- Gerbera and African daisies: Typically grown as annuals in cooler climates — plant after all danger of frost has passed.
If starting from seed:
- Indoors: Sow 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Outdoors: Sow directly after the last frost.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Daisies love sunshine and space to stretch. Picking the right planting location ensures healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Ideal Conditions:
- Full Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Well-Draining Soil: Daisies dislike soggy roots. Sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-8.0 work best.
- Good Air Circulation: Prevents fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Tip:
Avoid planting daisies in low-lying areas where water collects after rain.
Preparing the Soil
Great soil leads to great flowers. Here’s how to prep your garden bed or container:
- Loosen soil to a depth of 12-15 inches.
- Mix in compost, well-aged manure, or organic matter for nutrients and improved drainage.
- Add a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer for an extra boost.
- Remove any rocks, weeds, or clumps to give roots room to grow.
How to Plant Daisies
Whether you’re planting seeds, seedlings, or mature plants, the process is simple and beginner-friendly.
From Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination typically takes 10-20 days.
From Seedlings or Nursery Plants:
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill and firm the soil gently.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Spacing:
Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on the mature size.
Caring for Daisies
Once established, daisies are easy to care for and forgiving of minor neglect.
Watering:
- Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season.
- Once established, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Fertilizing:
- Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
- Feed again in midsummer if blooms slow down.
Mulching:
- Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to avoid rot.
Pruning and Deadheading
Keeping daisies tidy encourages continuous blooming and prevents them from self-seeding excessively.
Deadheading:
- Remove faded flowers by snipping just above the nearest leaf set.
- Stimulates more blooms and keeps plants looking neat.
Cutting Back:
- In late fall or after the first frost, cut perennial daisies back to 2 inches above the ground.
- This tidies up the garden and prepares the plant for dormancy.
Dealing with Common Daisy Problems
Although tough, daisies can face a few pests and issues:
Pests:
- Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet.
- Slugs and snails: Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
- Leaf miners and spider mites: Remove affected leaves and treat with neem oil.
Diseases:
- Powdery Mildew: Prevent with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot: Avoid waterlogged soil by ensuring excellent drainage.
Tip:
Space plants properly and thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to maintain healthy air circulation.
Propagating Daisies
Want more daisies without buying new plants? They’re easy to propagate.
Division (for perennials like Shasta and Oxeye):
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
- Dig up the entire plant and gently pull apart rooted sections.
- Replant divisions immediately.
Cuttings (for Gerbera and African daisies):
- Take 3-4 inch softwood cuttings in summer.
- Remove lower leaves and plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep in a bright, indirect light spot until rooted.
Enjoying and Using Daisies
Daisies are more than just pretty garden flowers — they have practical uses too:
- Cut Flowers: Last 7-10 days in vases with fresh water.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
- Wildflower Meadows: Combine with poppies, coreopsis, and black-eyed Susans.
- Edging Plants: Use shorter varieties to line borders and paths.
Fun Fact:
English daisies were once used in herbal medicine for bruises and wounds.
Final Thoughts
Daisies are a delightful, fuss-free addition to any garden. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned grower, these cheerful blooms will reward you with months of color and a nostalgic cottage garden feel.
With so many varieties to choose from — classic white Shasta daisies, bold Gerbera daisies, or charming wild Oxeye daisies — you’ll never run out of ways to incorporate them into your landscape.
So grab some seeds or starter plants this season and start growing your own patch of sunny, smile-inducing daisies!