**Scientific Name:** *Bellis perennis*
**Origin:** Native to Europe and Western Asia
**Family & Genus:** Asteraceae
**Characteristics:**
Daisy is a low-growing, perennial herb commonly cultivated for two years. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and is highly cold-resistant, capable of surviving winter at temperatures as low as 3-4°C. Daisy prefers well-drained, fertile sandy loam rich in humus. The plant typically grows between 8-15 cm tall, with basal leaves that are spatulate or obovate. Flowers are small, solitary, and appear from December to May, with a flowering period lasting 12-14 weeks after sowing. Popular varieties include "Galros," "Tasu," and the rare "Monsters" series, which is not widely available in China. Daisies come in various colors such as red, white, pink, rose, and mixed hues. Most varieties stay within a height range of 10-20 cm.
**Sowing Seedlings:**
Daisy seeds are very small, with approximately 4,900–6,600 seeds per gram. They are typically sown in September, though in Zhejiang, planting usually begins in late July or mid-August. The seeds should be sown in a loose, well-aerated medium. After sterilization, a thin layer of vermiculite can be used to cover the seeds without fully hiding them. Due to their small size, daisies are often broadcasted rather than sown in rows. Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted. The ideal pH for the growing medium is 5.8–6.5, and the EC value should be around 0.5–0.75. After sowing, maintain a temperature of 18–20°C and humidity of 80–90%. Germination occurs within 5–8 days. While spring sowing is possible in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, seedling growth and flowering tend to be less vigorous compared to autumn sowing, so spring sowing is generally avoided.
**Stage 1 (Germination):**
After sowing, keep the temperature at 18–22°C and humidity at 80–90%. Radicles emerge within 5–8 days. Maintain moisture in the medium, avoid applying fertilizer during germination, and provide light but not direct sunlight. In July and August, it’s important to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.
**Stage 2 (Early Growth):**
At this stage, reduce humidity to 70–80% to allow roots to penetrate the medium. Keep the temperature at 16–20°C until the first pair of true leaves appears. Begin fertilizing with 20 ppm of a 20-10-20 water-soluble fertilizer. Transplant into 288 or 128-cell plugs once the first true leaves open.
**Stage 3 (Rapid Growth):**
During this phase, the seedlings grow rapidly. Alternate between 50 ppm of 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 flower-specific fertilizers. Watering should be done every 2–3 days, avoiding overwatering. This method helps promote root development and prevent over-moisture. When the seedlings have 2–3 pairs of true leaves and a height of 3–4 cm, they are ready for hardening off.
**Stage 4 (Hardening Off):**
By this stage, the seedlings have three pairs of true leaves and a well-developed root system. Reduce humidity slightly and apply 14-0-14 water-soluble fertilizer. Ensure adequate light, good ventilation, and controlled temperature to prevent leggy growth.
**Transplanting / Potting:**
Once hardened, seedlings can be potted into 12 cm pots. If using plug trays, the roots will be fully developed. Add base fertilizer when potting and water thoroughly.
**Light Requirements:**
Daisies thrive in full sun, which promotes healthy growth, vibrant green foliage, and abundant flowering.
**Temperature Control:**
After transplanting, move plants indoors during winter to protect them from freezing. Daisies can survive at temperatures above 5°C, but optimal growth occurs at 18–22°C. Flowering is best between 10–25°C. Temperatures below 10°C slow growth and delay blooming, while temperatures above 25°C may cause elongation and reduced flowering. To avoid high summer temperatures, autumn sowing is recommended.
**Water and Fertilizer Management:**
Daisies require well-draining, fertile soil. A base fertilizer alone is insufficient, so apply a liquid fertilizer every 7–10 days. Use 20-10-20 or 14-0-14 at 200–250 ppm. Alternate between these formulas for balanced nutrition. During winter, reduce fertilizer strength by 20%. Allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, especially since daisies have a basal leaf cluster that is prone to disease if overwatered.
**Cultivation Practices:**
Daisies are easy to transplant and benefit from it, as it encourages a more robust root system. No pruning or pinching is required to control flowering.
**Pests and Diseases:**
Common diseases include damping-off, gray mold, brown spot, anthracnose, and downy mildew. Treat with fungicides like chlorothalonil (800–1000 times dilution) or mancozeb (1000–1500 times). Common pests include aphids and locusts.
**Garden Quality:**
Daisies are popular for their neat appearance, vibrant flowers, and lush foliage. They are ideal for holiday displays, such as New Year’s and Spring Festival events. Plants are compact, with 8–15 cm crowns and 3–5 flowers per plant. Unsold flowers should be removed, and stems can still be sold. Daisies are durable and resistant to long-distance transport, making them a reliable choice for commercial growers.
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