Daisies

Daisies are among the most popular of flowers. Daisies belong to the Daisy Family of Compositae, now known as Asteraceae in flowering plants.

Daisy flowers are simple, sophisticated and attract every one. Simply put, Daisies are one of nature's finest accomplishments. Daisies are native to north and central Europe.

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Anthophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Asterales

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Bellis

A Daisy flower is composed of white petals and yellow centers, although the flowers are sometimes a pink or rose color. Stems of Daisies are smooth and leafless and support a single flower. Daisies are not one flower. A Daisy is made up of two types of flowers - disk florets and petal-like white ray florets.

The Disk florets are at the center and the ray florets are at the periphery. But these are arranged to give the impression of being a single flower. This arrangement on Daisies is a type of inflorescence known as a capitulum.

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Facts About Daisies

• Daisies are named from the old Anglo-Saxon language daes eage, which means day's eye.
• Daisy is a perennial whose evergreen leaves form a basal tuft or rosette.
• In the language of flowers, Daisies are symbols of innocence.
• Daisy plants have 3 - 4 inch flower stalks.
• Daisy flower plant has a prostrate or spreading growing habit.
• The Daisy leaf texture varies and may be smooth or hairy, narrow at the base and slightly lobed.
• The Daisy flower stalks are generally longer than the leaves.
• Daisies can be propagated by division in spring or sowing seeds in spring or late autumn.
• English Daisy is a serious weed in the northwest United States.
• The Daisy flowers open at dawn and are visited by many small insects.
• Daisies are used by children to make daisy chains.
• Daisy leaves are edible and can be used in salads.

Varieties of Daisies

Some of the varieties of Daisies are white Daisy-like flowers, Spanish Daisy, Blue Daisy, Lazy Daisy or Prairie Daisy, African Daisy, Michaelmas Daisy, Swan River Daisy, Tatarian Daisy, Painted Daisy, Paris Daisy, Shasta Daisy, Crown-Daisy, Ox-eye Daisy, Nippon Oxeye Daisy, Giant Daisy, African Daisy, Kingfisher Daisy, Sunshine Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy or Barberton Daisy, Tahoka Daisy, Livingstone Daisy, Gloriosa Daisy, Dahlberg Daisy, Butter Daisy.

Among the daisy varieties, Shasta Daisy, African Daisy are the most popular varieties.

Growing Daisies

Daisies can be grown very easily. Daisies are hardy perennials. If Daisies are planted in an area which is too hot, then they should be placed in the shade and water them regularly. Daisies are commonly grown from seed. Daisies can be directly seeded into the flowerbed.

• Plant Daisies in full sun.
• Select a sunny location where they can grow undisturbed for years.
• Before planting, add generous amounts of manure and compost, so as the soil becomes rich and well draining.
• Set the plants 9 to 12 inches apart.
• Water the plants regularly during dry periods.
• Add a general purpose fertilizer in the early growth stage, and once a month afterwards.

Daisies Care

• Generally Daisies are not bothered by insects and disease.
• If bothered by insects and disease, then treat Daisies with an insecticidal soap and or a fungicide.
• Just before the blooming, use a fertilizer high in Phosphorous as it helps to promote big, bright blooms.
• In cold weather regions, provide a thick layer of mulch for winter protection.