How to Grow Marguerite Daisies? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
The marguerite daisy is a flowering plant native to foreign countries. It has now been introduced into our country and is already widely cultivated, and it can be seen in many places on the market today. Many people like it for its ornamental value and thus grow it, but during the cultivation process, you also need to master some techniques, otherwise some problems may arise.
How to Grow Marguerite Daisies
1. Environmental requirements. The marguerite daisy has always been kept on the terrace, and in summer it does not get too much direct sun. In winter, the few pots receiving key care are placed in a spot sheltered from rain.
2. Light. The marguerite daisy likes light, so full-day sunlight will make the plant short, sturdy and full, but in winter the sun is too strong and shade is needed.
3. In winter, when temperature and humidity are high, the soil temperature in the pot drops sharply after sun exposure, which can induce the onset of damping-off disease. Especially after thunderstorms, if there is standing water in the pot and it is then exposed to the sun, the plant is even more likely to die. So in winter we should pay attention to shading and ventilation, and as long as the plant is not short of water, do not water too frequently.
Cultivation Methods for Marguerite Daisies
1. Soil requirements. The marguerite daisy likes loose, fertile soil with good drainage. Soil: 5 parts black mountain soil, 5 parts peat soil. Those who do not have black mountain soil can replace it with garden soil.
2. Fertilization requirements. Generally, sufficient base fertilizer is applied when repotting and planting out, and no further fertilizer is applied at other times. For the base fertilizer, use chicken manure fertilizer and a small amount of slow-release fertilizer. Since the chicken manure fertilizer has already been composted, using a little more is fine, but the amount of slow-release fertilizer must be controlled according to pot size, and the most important point is that the roots must not come into contact with the fertilizer. During the flowering period, occasionally apply additional fertilizer, using “Bi Kai Hua”. Environmental requirements: the marguerite daisy has always been kept on the terrace, and in summer it does not get too much direct sun.
3. Watering. After planting the marguerite daisy, water it thoroughly once. If the root system is good when purchased, it can be placed directly in the sun. After that, follow the principle of not watering when not dry, and watering thoroughly when you do water.
4. Pruning. The small seedlings everyone buys generally have a single head. When they grow to about 10 cm, you can pinch off the tips. After branching, continue pinching the tips once they reach a certain length, so the plant becomes full. Small marguerite daisies grown in the ground do not need tip pinching and can grow very beautifully on their own. After flowering, promptly cut off the spent flowers from the small marguerite daisy. This keeps the plant clean and tidy, and it can also produce new flower buds. With suitable temperatures and proper pruning, small marguerite daisies planted in autumn can bloom continuously from before Spring Festival until July of the following year. It can be said that the flowering period of the small marguerite daisy is super long.
Precautions for Marguerite Daisies
1. Prevent exposure to strong sun in winter. The marguerite daisy likes a cool and humid climate and is not tolerant of intense heat or severe winter cold. In winter, shade measures should be provided to prevent sun scorching.
2. Avoid standing water in the pot. In the plum rain weather of the north, be careful not to let water accumulate in the pot. After water accumulates in the pot and the plant is then exposed to the sun, it very easily wilts and dies.
3. Prevent frost in summer. The marguerite daisy is not tolerant of frost. In areas with frost, attention should be paid in winter to frost prevention and freeze protection. It can overwinter outdoors in the open as long as the minimum temperature stays above 5 degrees. When the maximum temperature is around 0 degrees, it should be moved indoors or placed in a spot without wind and beyond the reach of frost.
How Marguerite Daisies Form a Ball Shape
A marguerite daisy in the first year after rooting from cuttings will not grow into a very dense ball. Only after enduring the intense heat of summer and the severe cold of winter is the marguerite daisy likely to grow into a very dense ball. Everyone should note that after summer and winter, many leaves may dry up. As long as there is still green in the center of the branches, do not discard it. With ordinary care and watering, then in March and April of the following year, after tidying up the dead leaves, repotting and fertilizing, the marguerite daisy can quickly grow very dense shoots and buds, and its size will be more than 3 or 4 times the original.
The cultivation method for marguerite daisies is actually not difficult; you can start with its growth habits. When growing marguerite daisies, you must pay attention to the issue of fertilizer and water, as excess of either may cause the death of the plant. Pruning is also an important part, and tip pinching is an important aspect of ensuring its growth.