The Most Beautiful Varieties Of Daisies, Along With Advice On Growing And Caring For Daisies

Daisy Flower

Daisy Flower

Updated on 12/3/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

The yellow centers of daisies are surrounded by a halo of white petals, making them an easily identifiable flower. But they are so widespread should not dissuade you from cultivating them in your backyard. Many excellent varieties of daisies are available, each ideal for growing in a garden or a flowerpot of your own making. In this piece, we'll take a more in-depth look at them and teach you how to cultivate gorgeous daisies in your garden without much effort quickly. Keep reading! Daisies may be found growing on every continent, except for Antarctica. In addition, they account for around 10% of all blooming plants found throughout the globe. Therefore, you shouldn't have too much trouble cultivating them in your own house, right? Learn how to grow daisies that are both healthy and beautiful so that they may brighten your day every day.

What Can We Learn From Daisies?

The flower known as the daisy gets its name from an Old English term that means "day's eye." Because wild daisies open during the day and close at night, the petals are only open during the day. The daisy represents innocence for several reasons, and this is one of them. Wildflowers such as daisies are known for their sunny disposition and ability to raise one's spirits. In addition to that, they are unquestionably charmingly romantic. Just think of the times that dreamy lovers say things like "He loves me, he loves me not" when they pick petals off of daisies. Each daisy is composed of two blooms, the core and the crown, and the core is the smaller of the two flowers. This combination accentuates the flower's traditionally romantic connotations and is a powerful representation of one's genuine affection for another.

Let's go through some of the fundamental interpretations of daisies.

  • Optimism - If you want to know why all you have to do is take a look at a white daisy as it blooms in the light.
  • Love Daisies have long been seen as a symbol of love. On the other hand, Daisies tend to convey a more carefree and young love compared to roses, which are often connected with a fiery passion.
  • Simplicity - Primarily in Western culture, these flowers are symbolic of pure and uncomplicated beauty, in contrast to more complex flowers such as orchids.
  • Innocence Daisies, in particular, are significant symbols of innocence for Christians. They are revered as representing the Christ child and the Virgin Mary in the Christian tradition.
  • Daisys are also connected with fertility and motherhood, which is why they are so popular. This interpretation most likely stems from Norse mythology passed down to us. Giving a bouquet of daisies to a woman who just gave birth is a thoughtful gift.
  • Freshness – Have you ever heard the expression, “As fresh as a daisy?”

It is crucial to keep in mind while giving daisies as a present that the white daisy, as opposed to other varieties of daisies, is the one most often linked with innocence and purity.

The Most Common Varieties Of Daisies

There are about 20,000 different kinds of daisy flowers in the world. In other words, you are looking at a member of one of the plant species that have the highest rate of reproduction on our planet. That means you have a wide variety of alternatives to choose from! Do you live in a more chilly environment? Or in a climate that is hot and dry? No problem! Nearly any location will support the growth of fresh and lovely daisies.

Look through the several kinds of daisies listed here to select the best one for you.

1. English Daisy (Bellis Perennis)

English-daisy-flower

English-daisy-flower

The English daisy is the flower most people think of when they think of a daisy. This perennial plant, which may grow as tall as eight inches, is a member of the genus Bellis and is often referred to as the “lawn daisy.” Although that's not very much, these flowers make up for their size with their delicate appearance and vibrant colors.

The English daisy must have a lot of sunlight to thrive, though it can grow in dark areas and tolerates chilly temperatures. It begins to blossom outside in the early spring, and you won't have any trouble cultivating it even inside.

Tip: Although the traditional English daisy has white petals, you may also locate more colorful varieties of this flower that have pink or red petals. No matter whatever option you choose, this range is fantastic for first-timers.

2. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum Daisies)

shasta-daisies

shasta-daisies

Some of the most well-liked perennial plants for gardens are called Shasta daisies. These low-maintenance plants are notable for their height and feature gorgeous blooms and attractive foliage that maintains its green color throughout the year. The Leucanthemum maximum, often known as the Max chrysanthemum, is a variety of the Shasta daisy known for its cold tolerance and preference for wet soil and whole light. Since its large, stunning, white blooms with golden centers, this plant is an excellent choice for a bee garden because it attracts both bees and butterflies. Featuring huge blooms, strong stems, and the ability to adapt to various conditions, the Shasta Daisy Becky is one of the best. It is the favorite of many gardeners.

helpful hint is that Shasta daisies like the sun and flourish best in healthy soil; nevertheless, you should be sure not to overwater them. The critical thing to keep in mind regarding them is that you should replace any old seeds or cuttings with fresh ones at the beginning of each new growing season.

3. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum Vulgare)

oxeye-daisy

oxeye-daisy

This wild daisy blossom's unusual serrated leaves and erect stems make it stand out from other similar species. Around its golden eye, up to 30 petals may be seen growing. It is most frequent in grassland regions, although it is not picky about the kind of soil it grows in as long as there is enough drainage. It propagates rapidly via its seed and is very easy to disseminate.

4. Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera Jamesonii)

gerbera-daisy

gerbera-daisy

Gerbera daisies are a popular choice for growing inside as houseplants, and they are also often used as cut flowers, particularly in wedding bouquets. But producing your own might be even more fulfilling, especially considering how easy it is to start most types from seed.

Compared to more common daisies, members of this genus of daisies often have more vibrant colors and distinctively arranged petals. The stunning Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) and the more subdued but equally alluring Blushing Barberton Daisy are the parents of the majority of the Gerbera cultivars available for purchase today (Gerbera viridifolia). These plants produce an abundance of flowers in the spring or early summer and are sought after for commercial purposes.

A helpful hint: Gerbera daisies are the right choice if you want a pink, purple, orange, or red daisy flower. However, keep taking note that the colors may change according to the cultivar that you choose.

5. Annual Daisy (Bellis Annua)

annual-daisy

annual-daisy

This adorable variation resembles the English daisy, but its blossoms are somewhat smaller than those of the English daisy. If you appreciate the aesthetic of traditional daisies but also want to add some variation to your yard, Bellis Annua may be an excellent option for you to consider. A word to the wise: this particular daisy variety, like many others, has potent therapeutic qualities. Tea may be made from the dried blossoms of the plant, which is effective in treating coughs and bronchitis.

6. Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum Frutescens)

marguerite-daisy

marguerite-daisy

This perennial daisy shrub thrives best in high temperatures and a great deal of direct sunshine. It is well-liked by honeybees, which comes as no surprise, given that it is indigenous to the Canary Islands. The flowers can have various white, pink, or yellow hues, depending on the cultivar. Plant it on soil rich in organic materials to increase the likelihood that it will grow. Additionally, it needs circumstances with adequate drainage. A word of advice: if you reside in a more frigid area that also often experiences high winds, this particular bloom may not be the best choice for you. Look for more complicated kinds.

7. Royal Haze Daisy (Argyranthemum Foeniculaceum)

royal-haze-daisy

royal-haze-daisy

Royal Haze is a perfect example of a kind of daisy that has gorgeous blooms and very intriguing leaves. This low-maintenance shrub produces bluish-green leaves and may be used to fill up any bare spots in the landscape. Royal Haze is a strain that thrives in warm regions and enjoys the sun. It has beautiful, traditional white flowers with vibrant yellow centers.

8. Easter Daisy (Townsendia Incana)

Easter daisy

Easter daisy

The Easter Daisy is a kind of daisy that is indigenous to North America. Its stems are coated in long, white hairs, and it seems practically silver when seen from a distance. In addition to the attractiveness of its leaves, this plant also produces beautiful flowers that are grown at the same level as the leaves, which gives it the impression of being rich and thick.

A helpful hint is that if you give Easter daisies ample light and excellent soil, they will produce many blossoms. Cultivating them is one of the reasons you should.

9. Daisies In The Bush (Osteospermum Daisies)

daisies-in-the-wild

daisies-in-the-wild

Perennials that belong to the Osteospermum genus are brightly colored and are often referred to as African daisies. In contrast to other popular kinds, they tend to become more robust and produce more blossoms per plant. They may be seen in various deep pink and purple tones and often feature black centers. These plants appear to have been planted overnight by fairies when the summer mornings are cool and windy.

Warning: daisy bushes cannot withstand the cold of winter. Despite this, you may still cultivate them in colder places by keeping them in containers and bringing them inside in the late autumn.

10. An Enchanting African Daisy (Osteospermum Jucundum)

African-daisies

African-daisies

When the plant in question has a name like this, it's difficult to refuse it. This bushy plant is one of the most colorful forms of the African daisy, in many different varieties. You'll be captivated by the pinkish-purple blossoms of this plant, which have black centers. The aroma of daisies hasn't been discussed much since. Compared to other types of flowers, they don't have much of a perfume. But this particular cultivar has fragrant leaves, which adds a whole new dimension to its appeal.

A helpful hint for growing this flower is to start with cuttings rather than seeds. In addition to this, it must have a lot of exposure to sunlight.

11. Echinacea Daisies (Echinacea Purpurea)

echinacea-purpurea

echinacea-purpurea

The blossoms of the echinacea plant are vivid and lovely, and it also has significant therapeutic use. For example, the tea and extracts made from echinacea may help alleviate anxiety and skin ailments and boost the immune system. These daisies can thrive in dry conditions and are relatively simple to maintain. They are also known as coneflowers, and the distinctively spiked flower heads of these plants distinguish them from other types. The Pale Purple Coneflower, also known as Echinacea pallida, and the Purple Coneflower are popular variations (Echinacea purpurea). Both like basking in the sun's warm rays and prefer to take refuge from the windy weather.

12. Arctosis With A Tufted Puff (Arctotis Acaulis)

tufted-arctosis-daisy

tufted-arctosis-daisy

Tufted Arctosis is not your typical daisy, shape, or form. This hardy African plant thrives in full sunlight and may reach a width of up to 3 inches as it expands. A broad color spectrum may be seen in petals, from yellow and orange to pink and deep purple. Try using this spreader in your garden if you're seeking a way to bring more color and greenery into the space. It can withstand low temperatures and just needs a minimal amount of irrigation. It is not difficult to cultivate, and the plant produces attractive foliage that is a silvery grey color that may be appreciated throughout most of the year.

Beginning With Seed To Cultivate Daisies

grow-daisies-from-seed

grow-daisies-from-seed

You may cultivate daisies from seed, provided that you choose a suitable kind for your area's climate. Flowers of the Shasta daisy kind are particularly well-liked by gardeners, and they are not picky eaters and mature rapidly. However, it's important to remember that seeds produce plants that can vary significantly in size and shape. These differences often manifest themselves in the form and size of the petals, as well as in their arrangement, as well as in the magnitude and color of the central core.

However, it's safe to say that a little bit of variety never harmed anybody, right?

  1. Eight weeks before the date of the final spring frost, Sowing daisy seeds is the most straightforward and most effective approach to cultivating daisies from seed.
  2. Utilize a seed starting recipe and maintain a soil temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
  3. When the first signs of germination appear, transfer the container to a bright windowsill or a location lit by fluorescent light. During their growth cycle, Daisy seedlings require approximately 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.
  4. A starter solution should be applied to seedlings after four weeks.
  5. Accustom the plants to the circumstances outside before putting them outside permanently. Transfer the container containing the seedlings to a protected location, which should remain for the next week or two.
  6. Pick a location to put your flowers where they will receive the most sunlight possible.
  7. Before you plant anything, check that the soil has decent fertility. When grown in fertile soil, daisies are more likely to produce leaves than blooms.
  8. To get the bed ready for planting, till the soil to about 12 inches.
  9. Be careful to include some compost into the soil once you have worked it up.
  10. Planting late in the afternoon helps decrease the shock caused by the transplant.
  11. Dig a big enough hole to hold the root ball after it is removed from the plant.
  12. In addition, a two-inch layer of mulch should be applied.
  13. Keep an eye out for weeds, and water the area at least once every seven days. Just below the surface, there should be a layer of moist soil.
  14. After the plants have produced new growth, a weak fertilizer should be applied to the soil around them.

Note that you may alternatively sow the seeds immediately and wait until the following spring for them to blossom. However, using this strategy, the outcomes might be more unpredictable.

Daisy Growing Tips

growing-daisies

growing-daisies

The cultivation of daisies in one's garden may be a source of great pleasure. It is not necessary to care about them too much, and when the flowers blossom, it is simply a joy in and of itself. There are just a few things that need your full attention right now.

  • If it's a dry season, you should water them more often throughout the summertime.
  • After the first deadly frost, cut the stems down to the ground.
  • Compost and mulch should be used in the spring to suppress the development of weeds.
  • Perennial daisy plants should be divided in the early spring once every three years, and this is beneficial to the plant's overall health. A minimum of 34 inches should separate the separated roots from their parent root and any other plants.
  • When you divide the plants, you may throw away the wooden core in the middle.
  • Remove the leaves from the trees in the autumn if there is a heavy frost.
  • After the ground has frozen in the autumn, residents in colder regions should spread two layers of mulch over their gardens. But This extra layer of protection must be removed in the spring.

Growing Daisies in Pots

While some daisies thrive best when grown outside, some flourish better when grown inside. For instance, Shastas and English variants are well-established as plants that can be grown outside. On the other hand, gerbera daisies do very well when grown in containers or greenhouses.

When cultivating daisies in containers, it is essential to keep the following considerations in mind:

  • During the growing season, fertilize the soil once per month. Daisies grown in containers need fertilizer to look their best.
  • Make sure your indoor plants in containers receive at least six hours of sunlight every day.
  • One time every week. Water. Check to ensure that there are enough drainage holes in the pot. It is important not to let the soil get fully dry in between waterings.
  • If you want your bloom to thrive, you should report it into an enormous container every year.
  • You may transplant daisies grown in pots directly into the garden in the late autumn or early spring.

Don't be disheartened if your flower starts to wilt after this period if grown in a pot; the average daisy may live in a container for roughly two to three years. You are not to blame for this!

How to Take Care of Daisies and Other Spectacular Flowers

To cultivate daisies successfully, what other considerations are necessary? The most crucial aspects of the situation are broken out below. However, consider that different types may each have particular preferences, so make sure to check for that every time.

Soil

daisy-care

daisy-care

The ideal soil for growing daisies has a fertility level that falls between medium and moderate. They are also able to flourish on sandy soil. It has been said before that it is ideal for planting them in soil that is not too rich, or else you will end up with many leaves rather than blooms. Take measures to ensure that the soil can hold onto its moisture while providing enough drainage. These flowers struggle to thrive in arid ground. The plants should be spaced out enough not directly to compete for the available nutrients, and the plants should be spaced at least 24 inches apart.

Light

Keep your daisies in the light to ensure they reach their full blossoming potential. They can thrive in partial shade, but the number of blooms they produce will be significantly reduced, and neither the flowers nor the landscape will be as stunning. What about daisies grown in pots? They are subject to the same rules and stored close to a window that faces south.

Temperature

In general, daisies thrive in warm conditions but not excessively so. The weather is perfect when it's about 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the day. Temperatures below 43 degrees Fahrenheit or 6 degrees Celsius may stress plants.

Watering

In general, daisies enjoy damp but not soggy soil. Some types are better able to withstand dryness than others, the most notable being Shasta daisies. A recommendation: For established plants, water them once a week to ensure their continued health. Nevertheless, if you grow daisies in partial shade, you need to monitor soil moisture frequently. This is significant because kids will have an increased risk of developing illnesses caused by fungi.

Fertilizer

When the indoor daisies are in an active growth phase, apply a well-balanced fertilizer to the soil once per month. Fertilization is an ongoing need for the continued health of plants grown in containers. Make sure that the fertilizer is diluted correctly, following the directions printed on the label. In most cases, daisies grown in a garden do not need the addition of fertilizer. On the other hand, you shouldn't be concerned about adding a layer of compost on top of them. Like the majority of flowers, they won't be bothered by the presence of a covering of organic mulch.

Deadheading

They should be removed to promote new growth whenever daisy blossoms have finished flowering. However, remember that not all cultivars will rebloom even if the flowers are removed, and the plant would still benefit from having its spent flowers removed. It will develop with more vitality and seem more neatly as it does so. The drawback of deadheading is that it stops the growth of the seeds.

One Daisy A Day Keeps The Blues Away, As The Old Saying Goes

yellow-pink-daisy

yellow-pink-daisy

Daisy cultivation does not need the use of a traditional cottage garden. These delicate little plants may have a taste reminiscent of the countryside. Still, they are resilient, fresh, and undemanding, making them attractive to nearly any garden. Daisies may also be successfully grown in containers with the same level of success. They can bring a splash of color into your home and will gladly take their place amongst your other houseplants, regardless of whether they are Shastas or some other variety.

We will send you a bright bouquet as a token of our appreciation for your hard work. There are a variety of daisy species to choose from, whether white and gold or more colorful. Tell others about this hardy plant that can fit in your hand if you liked this article? Share this beautiful flower on one of your social media accounts so that others may be inspired to give it a home garden. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do daisies require full sun?

Daisy plants need six hours of direct sun a day to stay healthy during the summer. They won't grow well if you put them where there are a lot of shadows. In hot climes, the shade of the afternoon may be beneficial to them.

What does it indicate when daisies are gathered together?

The daisy flower represents innocence, purity, motherhood, fertility, romance, and a new start. They have persisted throughout time as a symbol of merriment and happiness. Particularly those with a white coloration are said to represent innocence and cleanliness.

Where do daisies grow?

In addition to sunny meadows and grasslands, daisies can grow in gardens and along roadsides. Some varieties thrive in arid soil, while others can flourish in both dry and wet environments. They are endemic to all continents except Antarctica.

What exactly are the benefits of daisies?

Daisies may be used in herbal medicine to aid digestion, cure coughs, and be beautiful additions to fresh flower bouquets. You may also eat the leaves by themselves or add them to salads.