Fleabane Daisy Seeds

Also known as ‘’Dainty Daisy,’’ this wildflower is native to North America but occurs only in scattered locations in the western and southernmost parts of the continent. Now naturalized in parts of Europe and Asia, this hardy perennial is tolerant to a wide range of soils and less-than-ideal weather conditions. Fleabane daisy is an adaptable plant that has the reputation of being a native pioneer species, meaning they often grow in disturbed areas such as pastures, abandoned fields and along roadsides and railways.

Fleabane daisies are perennial in Canadian hardiness zones 4 and up or they will need some protection from the frost in colder climates, or they can be cultivated as annuals. Fleabane daisies are very easy to grow and need pretty much no extra care once they are established in the garden.

Growing between one and two feet tall, Fleabane daisies produce an abundance of blooms that are beloved by bees and butterflies. The semi-double flowers are a stunning lavender-violet with a bright golden-yellow centre. Somewhere in between daisies and asters, Fleabane make beautiful bouquets and are an attractive option to add to your native garden.

- Latin Name: Erigeron speciosus
- Life Cycle: Perrenial
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Days to Maturity: Second-year maturity
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Growth Habit: 30-60 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Daisies are a classic perennial that are easy to grow and propagate. Their cheerful faces and upright posture make them an attractive addition anywhere in the landscape or garden. Just be mindful of their vigorous growing habit. They spread readily and can easily take over wild uncultivated areas.

Daisies can be started indoors or out. To get a head start, plant seeds in flats or individual pots of fertile soil six to ten weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds into the soil and barely cover. Move them to a sunny window and mist the soil, keeping it evenly moist. Thin the seedlings when they germinate. Plant plenty of seeds and keep the strongest contenders. After the last frost has passed, move seedlings outdoors to gradually harden them off until they’re ready for planting.

Daisy seeds can also be sown directly into the garden bed. Soil should be well-drained and fertile. Add compost to the bed to address both of these needs. Space seeds to their specified distance and plant a few in each spot. Don’t completely cover the seeds, they need light to germinate. Water well and thin after germination.

Daisies should be planted where they get full sunshine. They can adapt to partial shade, but it will compromise the potential for maximum blooms. Daisies will tolerate poor soil, but not soggy soil. Drainage is the most important factor to consider.

Compost or a balanced fertilizer can be used to feed the flowers throughout the year. While daisies do well in moist conditions, they can become drought tolerant after getting established. As long as they receive about 3 cm of water per week, daisies will produce their cheerful summer blooms. Daisies are capable of tolerating and adapting to various climates and temperatures. They are deer resistant and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.

As short-lived perennials, daisies should be replenished every year. In the early spring before flowers appear, or after flowers have faded in the fall, plants can be divided. This will produce more plants and keep their growth fresh and healthy.

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming later into the year. When flowers are finally killed by a frost, cut them back to a few centimeters above the soil.

Daisies are the epitome of a cut flower. Their symmetrical shape and classic look can last longer than a week in a vase. 

QUICK FACTS

- The name daisy traces its origin back to an old English phrase ‘’Daes eage,’’ which translates to ‘’day’s eye.’’ The term comes from the fact that daisies close their petals in the evening to reopen them again the next morning, thus making them the ‘’first eyes’’ to see the morning sun each day.

- Daisy seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.