How to Grow Daisy, English Daisy
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Daisy, English Daisy
Bellis perennis
flowerBellis perennis, commonly known as English daisy or lawn daisy, is a charming perennial wildflower with small, double-petaled blooms in white, pink, and red. It forms low rosettes of leaves and produces cheerful daisy flowers on short stems, making it ideal for borders, meadows, and ground cover. Though technically a perennial, it's often grown as a biennial or annual in warmer climates.
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Example Daisy, English Daisy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Daisy, English Daisy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Daisy, English Daisy blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daisy, English Daisy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, preferring cooler climates; struggles in hot, humid summers above zone 8
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Get my Daisy, English Daisy timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves) visible within 7-14 days
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright light; maintain 60-70°F temperature. Do not cover seeds; they need light to germinate.
Seedling & Rosette Formation
4-6 weeksSmall plants develop true leaves and form characteristic low rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves
Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart; provide bright, cool conditions; avoid overwatering. Begin hardening off 2 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksRosettes expand with increasing leaf production; no flowering yet
Water regularly during dry periods; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; deadhead any early flower buds to encourage more foliage growth if desired
Flowering
8-12 weeks or longerSmall daisy flowers (0.5-1 inch diameter) with white, pink, or red petals and yellow centers appear on short stems above the rosette
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage more flowers. Water consistently during bloom.
Seed Production & Decline
Variable; ongoing until frost or heat stressFlowers fade and develop seed heads; plants may slow or stop flowering in hot weather
Allow some flowers to remain for self-seeding; trim back leggy growth; provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Cut back plants in fall for fresh spring growth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick; use slug bait or copper tape; promote good air circulation; maintain drier soil surface
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if necessary; remove affected leaves
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryBellis petals are edible with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and can be used as a garnish in salads, desserts, and drinks. Young leaves can be added to salads or herbal teas. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in European herbalism to treat wounds, bruises, and minor skin irritations. Contained in herbal preparations for respiratory health and general wellness. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdSmall daisy blooms create charming, delicate arrangements and are popular in cottage garden bouquets and children's flower arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBellis flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it valuable for supporting early-season insect populations in spring. [source]
Flower Pressing & Dried Arrangements
CraftSmall daisy flowers are ideal for pressing in books and for dried flower crafts due to their delicate, flat form. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Bellis is grown primarily for ornamental flowers rather than harvest, but blooms can be cut for small bouquets when fully open. Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering season. Collect seeds in fall for next season's planting by allowing flower heads to dry on the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'daisy' comes from 'day's eye' because the flowers open in the morning and close at night, reflecting their sun-tracking behavior.
- 🌱 Bellis perennis is naturalized in lawns throughout temperate regions and is considered a wildflower or 'weed' by many gardeners, though it's beloved for its charm.
- 🌱 Double-flowered cultivars were highly prized in Victorian gardens and are still popular today; single and semi-double forms also exist.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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