How to Care for Daisy Plants

Daisies are cheerful, adaptable flowers, and most are easy to grow once you understand their basic needs. Whether you grow Shasta daisies in a border, English daisies along a path or Gerberas in pots, the same core care principles apply: plenty of sun, well-drained soil, sensible watering and regular deadheading.

Light

Most daisies flower best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. In very hot climates, some light afternoon shade can help, especially for Gerberas and English daisies, which prefer cooler conditions.

Soil

Daisies dislike sitting in wet soil. Choose a spot with good drainage, and mix compost into heavy clay or very sandy soil before planting. In containers, use a quality potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Watering

• Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while plants establish.
• Once established, many perennial daisies tolerate short dry spells, but regular watering during long dry periods keeps them blooming.
• Water at the base of the plant, ideally in the morning, so leaves dry quickly.
• Container plants dry out faster and may need more frequent watering in summer.

Feeding

Daisies do not need heavy feeding. A layer of compost in spring is often enough in the garden. Container plants benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer used according to the label. Too much fertilizer can produce lots of leaves and fewer flowers.

Deadheading and pruning

Removing faded flowers, called deadheading, encourages many daisies to keep blooming. Snip spent flowers back to a leaf or bud. At the end of the season, many perennial daisies can be cut back once the foliage fades. Check guidance for your specific type.

Dividing perennials

Clump-forming daisies such as Shasta daisies can become crowded after a few years, with fewer flowers in the center. Divide them in spring or early fall:

• Dig up the clump.
• Split it into smaller sections with healthy roots and shoots.
• Replant the divisions and water well.

Common problems

• Root rot: Usually caused by soggy soil. Improve drainage.
• Powdery mildew: A white coating on leaves, often linked to poor airflow. Space plants well and avoid wetting leaves.
• Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects. Rinse them off with water or remove affected growth.
• Leggy plants: Often a sign of too little sun.

Winter care

Hardy perennial daisies usually die back and regrow in spring. A light mulch can protect roots in cold areas. Tender types such as Gerberas may need to come indoors. See daisy plants for winter interest for ideas on keeping beds attractive in the cold months.

Growing daisies in containers

Pots let you grow daisies on patios and balconies. Our guide to growing daisy plants in a pot covers container size and watering in detail.

Conclusion

Give daisies sun, well-drained soil and steady water, and deadhead spent blooms, and they will reward you with flowers for much of the season. For a full beginner’s overview, read our guide to growing and caring for daisies, and check the best time to plant daisies before adding new plants.