How to Grow Felicia (Blue Daisy)
Felicia (Blue Daisy)
Felicia amelloides
flowerFelicia is a charming South African perennial known for its bright blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It produces delicate blooms prolifically throughout warm months and is prized for its cheerful appearance in containers and garden beds. This tender perennial is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
When should you plant Felicia (Blue Daisy) in your zone?
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Example Felicia (Blue Daisy) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Felicia (Blue 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 Felicia (Blue Daisy) blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Felicia (Blue Daisy) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with delicate cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright light immediately, maintain 65-75°F. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with small oval leaves on thin stems, no blooms yet
Pinch growing tips to encourage branching and bushier form. Maintain consistent moisture. Feed weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Budding & Early Bloom
2-3 weeksSmall buds appear on stem tips and begin to swell; first flowers open, revealing bright blue petals with yellow centers
Continue pinching for continued branching if desired, or allow to bloom. Increase phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeks (or longer in ideal conditions)Plant is covered in numerous blue daisy flowers that open during daylight hours and close at night or in cloudy weather
Deadhead faded blooms religiously to encourage continuous flowering. Water regularly, avoid letting soil dry completely. Feed every 2 weeks with flower-promoting fertilizer.
Late Season & Decline
Flowering slows as temperatures drop or day length decreases; plant may become sparse in winter
In frost-free zones, reduce watering and fertilizing. Cut back by 1/3 in late winter to rejuvenate. In cold zones, treat as annual and allow to decline naturally, or bring indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity, spray undersides of leaves with water, use miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, maintain good air circulation.
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, remove affected plants, repot in fresh soil if possible.
Uses
Fresh Cut Flowers
CraftBlue daisies make excellent cheerful additions to floral arrangements and bouquets, providing bright color contrast and an airy, garden-like feel. [source]
Container & Patio Gardening
HouseholdFelicia thrives in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes, making it perfect for patios, balconies, and small spaces where it provides months of continuous color. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe open-centered flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local pollinator populations throughout the growing season. [source]
Edible Garnish
CulinaryThe delicate blue flowers are technically edible and can be used as a decorative, slightly sweet garnish for desserts and salads, though they are primarily ornamental. [source]
Harvest Tips
Felicia is not harvested for edible/medicinal use. Cut fresh flowers in the morning for longer vase life; they typically last 5-7 days in fresh water. Deadhead spent flowers regularly (at least 2-3 times weekly) to maintain continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Felicia flowers exhibit nyctinasty, meaning they close at night and on overcast days in response to temperature and light changes, opening again when sunny and warm.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Felicia' comes from the Latin word 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate,' reflecting the cheerful appearance of the bright blue blooms.
- 🌱 In its native South African habitat, Felicia amelloides is called 'Aster' and thrives in well-drained, sandy soils typical of Mediterranean-climate regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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