When to sow daisies? A detailed guide to growing them from seed
The daisy is a plant that likes warmth but cannot tolerate high temperatures, and it stops growing in summer. Daisies are highly ornamental, so they are deeply loved by people, and many people now want to grow them. Before planting, though, everyone surely wants to know about its growing techniques and planting time.
When to sow daisies
Daisies are generally sown in August to September. The daisy is cold-hardy by nature and likes sunny, cool climates. It does not tolerate shade, high temperatures or hard frost. In hot conditions it flowers poorly and easily dies.
How to grow daisies from seed
1. Seed treatment. Daisy seeds can be soaked in water before sowing so the seeds absorb water and germinate faster. When soaking, it is best to use a small cup, put the seeds in and leave them to soak overnight before taking them out.
2. Soil and seedling tray. When growing daisies from seed, it is best to first raise the seedlings in a seedling tray and then transplant them. Because the soil is used for raising seedlings, ordinary soil is fine. There are no great requirements for the seedling tray either; ordinary containers will do.
3. Sowing. August-September is the best time to sow. Before sowing, water the soil until moist, then sow. Because daisy seeds are very small, sowing is generally done by broadcasting directly, and it is best to scatter them evenly, which can increase the germination rate. After scattering the seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 3 mm is enough, then spray the soil until moist.
4. Requirements after sowing. After sowing, maintain a temperature of 18-20°C and 80-90% soil moisture, and do not place them in strong sunlight. Germination usually occurs 5-8 days after sowing.
Fertiliser and water techniques for daisies
1. Fertilising. Newly emerged daisies can be given a tiny bit of fertiliser to promote root growth and leaf development, but do not apply fertiliser that is too concentrated or apply too much, since newly emerged daisy seedlings are still very fragile. In addition, the daisy is a fertiliser-loving flower, and the base fertiliser in its medium alone cannot meet its growth needs. Therefore, after transplanting, follow the principle of applying dilute fertiliser frequently, and appropriately increase fertiliser as the flowering season (March-June) approaches.
2. Watering. During the period just after the seedlings emerge, continue to keep the potting soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. Then, as the seedlings grow, gradually reduce watering so the seedlings adapt to the environment. This prepares them for planting out. After transplanting, water only when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do. In summer, when the weather is hot and dry, increase the frequency of watering.
Common daisy diseases and control methods
1. The main diseases of daisies include leaf blight, seedling damping-off, grey mould, brown spot, anthracnose and downy mildew (chlorothalonil at 800-1000 times or 1000-1500 times dilution can be used for control); insect pests include chrysanthemum longhorn beetle, cotton aphid, Qichao, cutworm, green leafhopper, aphids and so on. This disease infects daisy leaves. In the early stage of the disease, small chlorotic spots appear on the leaves and gradually enlarge to form round, semicircular or oval lesions. The lesions are light brown to greyish white, with a reddish-brown ring around the edge. Under humid conditions, pale pinkish spore acervuli appear on the lesions. Anthracnose occurs from April to June. The pathogen overwinters as acervuli in fallen diseased leaves and is spread by wind and rain.
2. Control methods: for pests and diseases, prevention should be the priority. Spray targeted pesticides plus Xinguozhim[1] to greatly increase the effectiveness of the active ingredients of the pesticide; it is not afraid of evaporation under strong sun, can regulate water absorption, and protects against drought and rain. When cultivating, avoid dense planting and try to maintain cool environmental conditions with good ventilation, air permeability and sufficient light, otherwise the plants will become spindly and leggy. Keep things clean: any infected plants or leaves found must be removed and cleaned up at once. When disease occurs, immediately take chemical control measures.
Daisies are generally planted around the beginning of autumn. When planting, be sure to do a good job of seed selection, then treat the seeds, usually soaking them overnight to promote germination. In the later stages of sowing, the most important things are fertiliser and water techniques and pest control, and work in these areas should also be strengthened.