**Bellis perennis (Daisy)**
**Scientific Name:** *Bellis perennis*
**Origin:** Native to Europe and Western Asia
**Family:** Asteraceae
**Genus:** Bellis
**Characteristics:**
The daisy is a low-growing, perennial herb commonly cultivated as a biennial. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and is highly cold-resistant, capable of surviving winter at temperatures as low as 3–4°C. It prefers rich, well-drained sandy loam with high humus content. The plant typically grows between 8–15 cm tall, with basal leaves that are spatulate or obovate. The flowers are small, solitary, and appear in clusters, with ray florets giving them a daisy-like appearance. Flowering occurs from December to May, and the plants generally take 12–14 weeks to bloom after sowing. Popular varieties include "Galros," "Tasu," and "Monsters," with the "Monster" series being rare in China. Daisy flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, white, pink, rose, and mixed shades. Most varieties remain within the 10–20 cm height range.
**Sowing and Seedling Care:**
Daisy seeds are very small, with approximately 4,900–6,600 seeds per gram. They are usually sown in September, though in Zhejiang, planting often begins in late July or mid-August. A loose, well-aerated medium is ideal for sowing, and after sterilization, a thin layer of vermiculite should be added to cover the seeds without obscuring them. Due to their size, daisies are often broadcast rather than planted individually. Once seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, they can be transplanted. The ideal pH for the medium is 5.8–6.5, with an EC value of 0.5–0.75. After sowing, maintain a temperature of 18–20°C and humidity of 80–90%, which encourages germination within 5–8 days. Spring sowing is less common in Jiangsu and Zhejiang due to weaker growth and flowering compared to autumn sowing.
**Growth Stages:**
- **Stage 1 (Germination):** Maintain 18–22°C and 80–90% humidity. Radicles emerge in 5–8 days. Keep the medium moist, avoid fertilizing, and provide indirect light. In summer, shade is necessary during peak sunlight hours.
- **Stage 2 (Early Growth):** Reduce humidity to 70–80% to encourage root development. Maintain 16–20°C until the first pair of true leaves appears, then begin fertilizing with 20 ppm of 20-10-20 fertilizer. Transplant into 288 or 128-cell plugs once the roots are established.
- **Stage 3 (Rapid Growth):** Alternate between 50 ppm of 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 flower-specific fertilizers. Water every 2–3 days, allowing the medium to dry slightly between applications. This helps promote strong root development and prevents overwatering.
- **Stage 4 (Hardening Off):** At this stage, the seedlings have three pairs of true leaves. Slightly reduce humidity and continue using 14-0-14 fertilizer. Ensure adequate light, ventilation, and temperature control to prevent legginess.
**Transplanting:**
After hardening off, seedlings can be moved into 12 cm pots. If using plug trays, the roots will already be well-developed. Apply base fertilizer when potting, and water thoroughly.
**Light and Temperature:**
Daisies thrive in full sun, which promotes vibrant foliage and abundant blooms. Ideal temperatures range from 10–25°C, with 18–22°C being optimal for healthy growth. Temperatures below 10°C slow growth and delay flowering, while above 25°C may cause elongated stems and reduced flowering. To avoid heat stress, autumn-sown plants are preferred to ensure blooming before summer.
**Water and Fertilizer Management:**
Daisies require consistently moist but well-drained soil. A base fertilizer alone is insufficient, so apply a liquid fertilizer (20-10-20 or 14-0-14) every 7–10 days at a concentration of 200–250 ppm. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter. Allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Adequate watering and feeding help maintain lush growth and extend the flowering period.
**Cultivation Tips:**
Daisies are easy to transplant and benefit from it, as it stimulates new root growth. No pruning or pinching is needed to control flowering.
**Pests and Diseases:**
Common issues include damping-off, gray mold, brown spot, anthracnose, and downy mildew. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil (800–1000x dilution) are effective for controlling these diseases. Insects like locusts may also pose a threat.
**Garden Quality:**
Daisies are popular for floral displays, especially around New Year and the Spring Festival. Plants are compact, with crowns 8–15 cm tall and 3–5 flowers per plant. Unsold flowers can be removed to encourage new blooms, and the plants are durable for transport, making them ideal for commercial use.
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