The good ol’ daisy—regardless of its species—is the universal icon for flowers. Its simple and highly recognizable pattern has adorned refrigerators for generations and has become deeply rooted in pop culture, common vernacular, and even politics.
Daisies have a charming habit of closing up at night and re-opening each morning, earning them the phrase “fresh as a daisy.” This expression dates back to November 1778, according to Word Histories, when it was first published in London’s The Town and Country Magazine.
Daisies have made their mark in various contexts:
Whoopsie Daisy!
This phrase, which means “I screwed up,” has been around for centuries and was revived in the 1999 film Notting Hill.
Daisy Chain
The term “daisy chain” refers to connecting devices together, just like weaving daisies to make a wreath.
Daisy Dukes
In the early 80s, Catherine Bach’s character in The Dukes of Hazzard popularized denim cutoffs, also known as “Daisy Dukes.”
Princess Daisy
Princess Daisy from the Mario Brothers world is a tomboy who loves all kinds of flowers, just like us!
Driving Miss Daisy
This classic Oscar-winning film explored race, class, and economic status through the eyes of an elderly Jewish southern woman and her African-American chauffeur.
Pushing Daisies
This cult-classic TV show featured a handsome baker who had the ability to revive dead people, animals, and plants by touch. Talk about having the world’s best green thumb!
The Daisy Ad
In the 1964 Presidential Campaign, Lyndon Johnson used a controversial political ad that capitalized on the daisy’s symbolism for innocence. The ad essentially invented fear-driven campaigning, which is still prevalent today.
Daisies come in all shapes, habits, and colors, and they are highly attractive to pollinating insects. Whether you want a butterfly garden or flowers to complement other plants, daisies are the answer. And let’s not forget their classic role in determining if someone loves you or loves you not!
The Sciencey Stuff
Did you know that “daisy” is the shortened version of “day’s eye,” the untangled spelling of its Old English name? While native to north and central Europe, daisies have crossed the ocean and naturalized in the New World. As members of the Asteraceae family, daisy blooms consist of petals (or rays) and central disks, forming a single head or capitulum.
Despite the confusion surrounding their botanical classification, growing daisies from seed is a breeze. Once you get past the nomenclature, you’re in the clear. It’s so easy that even a pantsless duck could do it!
A Daisy for Every Garden
Unless you’re a puppy-kicking villain, you’ll find it hard not to have a soft spot for daisies. They make wonderful additions to any home garden and are generally easy to cultivate and maintain. Here are some tips for growing daisies from seed and keeping them healthy throughout the seasons:
The ideal environments for daisies
Daisies thrive in various USDA growing zones and have a wide tolerance range for growing season length. While they prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade in the afternoon. They bloom in their first growing season, and both perennials and annuals grow quickly, typically blooming from summer until the first frost. While most daisies can handle drought, others prefer consistently moist beds. Ensure well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Pests & diseases affecting daisies
Daisies are resilient, but they can be susceptible to root rot and various foliar fungi. To prevent these issues, thin or plant your daisies to provide adequate air circulation. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Snip off and destroy damaged leaves and stems, making sure to clean your garden tools with a bleach solution between plants. Thrips, whiteflies, and aphids may try to attack your daisies, so use insecticidal soap or hose off early on hot days. Avoid chemical insecticides to protect beneficial insects.
Growth habits
Daisies come in various growth habits, from clumping bushy masses to upward growth from compact bases, or even sprawling close to the ground. Each one has its own unique charm.
Are daisies safe for my family?
Daisies pose no hazard to pets or kids, and some chefs even use them as food garnishes or in salads. Ox-eye daisies have similar chemical attributes to chamomile and can be used by herbalists to ease respiratory issues and anxiety. However, as with any plant, it’s always best to exercise caution and avoid consuming any species if unsure of its edibility or medicinal value.
Our Favorite Daisy Types
Here are some of our most popular daisies, grouped together by their aesthetic qualities. Imagine how well they’d pair up with other plants in the Asteraceae family. Don’t forget to refer to specific catalog pages for more information on each plant’s characteristics.
Classic white daisies
Shasta daisies (Chrysanthemum maximum) are a top choice, thanks to their forgiving hardiness, bright orange centers, and snow-white petals. They make excellent cut flowers with their long stems and prolific blooms. If you prefer a more compact version, try ox-eye daisies (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) or white English daisies (Bellis perennis). For a spreading annual groundcover, consider creeping daisies (Chrysanthemum paludosum).
Funkadelic-flowered daisies
For those who want a burst of color in their daisy patch, painted daisies (Chrysanthemum carinatum) are a must-see. These clumping annuals, also known as “tricolor chrysanthemums,” feature multicolored flowers with ringed patterns radiating from their dark centers. For softer colors and a variety of textures, try a packet of our colored English daisy mix.
Sunshiney yellow daisies
Gloriosa daisies (Rudbeckia gloriosa) fit into the funkalicious category with their dark-and-lavender centers and bright yellow pointed tips. They’re a perennial African daisy that grows up to 36″ tall. Our African daisy mix (Dimorphotheca sinuata/Dimorphotheca aurantiaca) includes a variety of yellow, white, salmon, and gold blooms. These annuals are a great compromise between ground-hugging species and taller daisies.
Growing Daisies from Seed
Did we mention how easy daisies are to grow? They are perfect for beginners and can be sown directly into the soil as soon as it reaches about 70°F. Alternatively, you can start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost to get a head start on the growing season.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Seed preparation: None required.
- Planting depth: 1/16″; daisies require some sunlight to germinate. Use overhead lights for indoor starts.
- Germination time: 7 to 14 days, but don’t be surprised if they sprout early.
- Transplanting tips: If you’re growing them indoors, use disintegrating pots to avoid root shock.
Keep the soil moist until your plants are well-established. Fertilization is generally not necessary, but the perennials might appreciate a little extra nourishment in late summer and subsequent springs.
We’re Pushing Daisies at Seed Needs
In conclusion, we wholeheartedly encourage everyone to grow daisies in their own gardens. At Seed Needs, we are committed to providing the freshest, highest-quality seeds to help our customers achieve gardening success. As a Michigan-based family business, we are here for the long haul. If you’d like to learn more about us or suggest new ornamental, vegetable, or herb species for our catalog, don’t hesitate to get in touch!