How to Grow Daisy

Daisy

Bellis perennis

flower

Daisies are cheerful, low-growing perennial flowers with white petals and yellow centers, commonly found in meadows and gardens. They bloom prolifically from spring through fall and are among the easiest flowers to grow. These hardy plants spread readily and are beloved for their simple beauty and resilience.

Looking for a specific variety?

Dresden China Pomponette Goliath White Aster Rob Roy Chick-a-dee

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Once established, daisies are drought-tolerant.

📏

Spacing: 9-12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days from seed to first blooms

🌱

Planting depth: Press seeds onto soil surface (they need light to germinate); transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost aged manure perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler zones 3-7

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 leaves emerge and develop their first true leaves over 2-3 weeks

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering which causes damping off.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops a rosette of green, elongated leaves close to the ground with increasing leaf surface area

Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Water moderately and ensure good air circulation. Begin outdoor hardening off before transplanting.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear on slender stems rising above the foliage, typically with multiple buds per plant

Continue regular watering. Deadhead lower spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (springs and falls)

Blooms open into characteristic daisy flowers with white petals radiating from a yellow center disk

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

Seed Production & Dormancy

4-8 weeks

If left undeadheaded, flowers develop seeds and plants enter summer dormancy or persist into fall depending on climate

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing if desired. Cut back brown foliage in late fall. Provide light mulch in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

catmint lavender yarrow coreopsis salvia veronica thyme creeping phlox

Avoid planting near:

fennel strong-scented herbs that may compete

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
Increase humidity with regular misting; apply miticide if population is high
and
Hand-pick early morning; use copper tape barriers or slug baits
Ensure good air circulation; apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign

Uses

🍳

Edible flowers & tea

Culinary

Daisy petals are edible with a slightly bitter flavor and can be used fresh in salads, as garnish, or steeped into a gentle herbal tea. Daisy tea has traditionally been used to soothe digestion. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Daisies contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Historically used in poultices and infusions to support skin health and minor wound care. [source]

🏠

Fresh and dried arrangements

Household

Daisies are excellent cut flowers for bouquets, vases, and floral arrangements. They dry beautifully and retain their color for long-lasting dried displays. [source]

🦋

Pollinator support

Wildlife

Daisies attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them valuable for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]

🎨

Flower pressing & crafts

Craft

Their flat, delicate structure makes daisies ideal for pressing into paper, bookmarks, and craft projects. Popular for children's nature crafts. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in the morning after dew dries for longest vase life. Pinch off spent blooms at the base of the stem to encourage branching and more flowers. For dried arrangements, harvest at peak bloom and hang dry in a warm, airy location.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'daisy' comes from 'day's eye' because the flowers close at night and open again in the morning
🌱 Daisies have been used in traditional games like 'love me, love me not' where petals are plucked one by one
🌱 Daisies can spread by runners and self-seeding, sometimes becoming naturalized in lawns and meadows, which some gardeners view as charming while others consider them weeds

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free