Blue-eyed Daisy Planting Methods and Care Tips Explained in Detail
The blue-eyed daisy, also known as the African daisy or large-flowered blue-eyed daisy. Native to South Africa, it is not cold-tolerant and dislikes heat; the suitable temperature is 18°C~26°C, and it prefers a sunny environment. It does well in well-drained soil. A perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Osteospermum in the Asteraceae family, it is often grown as an annual.
How to grow the blue-eyed daisy
The blue-eyed daisy prefers a sunny environment, is not cold-tolerant, and dislikes heat; the suitable growing temperature is 18°C-26°C. The blue-eyed daisy is best grown in well-drained soil.
The propagation methods of the blue-eyed daisy include seed propagation and cutting propagation. Seed propagation is carried out in March or September each year. For ground planting, the blue-eyed daisy needs a spot with ample sunlight; for potted growing, the soil can be half loam and half leaf mold, with an appropriate amount of river sand added. The blue-eyed daisy can be used in flower borders or as a cut flower, and it lasts a fairly long time in water.
Below, the editor will introduce the seed-growing method for the blue-eyed daisy.
Temperature: Give the appropriate temperature according to the requirements of the specific blue-eyed daisy variety. The germination temperature for most blue-eyed daisy seeds is between 20-25°C. Temperatures that are too high or too low will directly affect the germination rate of blue-eyed daisy seeds.
Humidity: When sowing blue-eyed daisy seeds, water management is crucial. Before sowing, use a fine nozzle to water thoroughly until the bottom water is soaked through; the size of the water droplets should be such that they do not strike the soil surface and the soil surface stays level. After watering, pour through a fungicide solution once more; the commonly used agent is chlorothalonil. After sowing or covering, spray water once more with a fine mist nozzle, watering thoroughly, so that the seeds make full contact with the substrate and the covering material.
Light: Blue-eyed daisy seeds germinate better under light conditions. After the seeds germinate, they must receive light, otherwise the blue-eyed daisy seedlings will grow leggy. If sowing in summer, shade must be provided; otherwise the light is too strong and water evaporates rapidly, which will affect seed germination.
Covering: After sowing blue-eyed daisy seeds, cover the sowing pot with glass, plastic film, or plastic sheeting, which can maintain air humidity and also keep and raise the temperature in winter. In summer, the film may be omitted; if covered with film, it must not be sealed, and both sides must be ventilated. After the blue-eyed daisy seeds germinate, remove the covering promptly.
Transplanting: When the blue-eyed daisy seedlings have grown enough to be suitable for transplanting, prick out or plant out promptly, otherwise the seedlings are prone to becoming leggy and production will be delayed.