Daisies are one of the most popular and recognizable flowers, known for their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers. They add cheer and classic beauty to any garden. If you’re new to growing daisies, you may be wondering – how long does it take for daisies to grow from seed to fully bloomed flower? In this complete guide, we’ll walk through daisy growing times so you know exactly what to expect.
Daisy Varieties And Growing Times
There are over 100 species of daisies with growing times that can vary. Some of the most popular include
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English daisies Also called bellis perennis these grow in USDA zones 4-8. They are low mounded plants that reach about 6 inches tall. English daisies bloom in spring and need 10-14 weeks from seed to flower.
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Shasta daisies: Iconic daisies with large white petals and yellow centers. Shastas grow 2-3 feet tall in USDA zones 4-9. They need around 16 weeks from seed to bloom.
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Gerbera daisies: Known for their bright colors like pink, red, orange, white and yellow. Gerbera daisies grow 1-2 feet tall as annuals and perennials in USDA zones 8-11. They require 14-18 weeks from seed to flower.
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African daisies: Hot colored daisies like orange and yellow, sometimes with darker centers. African daisies grow 6 inches to 3 feet tall depending on variety. Most take 10-12 weeks from seed to bloom.
So daisy growing times range generally from 10-18 weeks from seed to flower depending on exact variety. Now let’s look more closely at the full growing timeline.
Growing Daisies From Seed Timeline
Starting seeds: Daisy seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. The seeds need light to germinate so just press them gently into seed starting mix, do not cover. Keep soil moist and seeds will sprout in 1-2 weeks.
Transplanting: After sprouting, daisy seedlings can grow indoors for 4-6 weeks before transplanting them outside in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Harden off the seedlings first.
Blooming: Most daisies will bloom 10-18 weeks from seed sowing date. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers.
Going dormant: Daisies will bloom spring until fall. After first frost daisy plants will go dormant for winter. Cut back dead growth and mulch.
Reblooming: As spring returns, cut back any remaining dead growth. Established plants will re-sprout and bloom again that year. Perennial daisies will come back for many years.
So in ideal growing conditions, you can expect to see daisy flowers within 3-4 months of starting seeds. The timeline is a bit faster if purchasing plants vs. growing from seed. Container grown nursery plants may bloom weeks after being transplanted into your garden.
Factors That Influence Daisy Growth Rate
Daisy growth rates and days to bloom are influenced by these key factors:
Variety: The exact daisy variety makes a big difference in when they will flower. As noted above, Shasta and Gerbera daisies take longer than English or African daisies. Refer to seed packets or plant tags for variety-specific timelines.
Climate and location: Daisies grow faster and bloom sooner when grown in their ideal climate zone. Cool weather daisy varieties thrive in zones 4-6, while warm weather daisies do best in zones 8-11.
Light: Full sun is essential. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day results in faster growth and more prolific blooms. Insufficient sunlight will result in slower growth.
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil helps daisies grow quickly and bloom their best. Poor soil or compaction can stunt plants. Amend soil with compost before planting.
Water: Consistent moisture is important, especially when plants are young. But take care not to overwater. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: Using a balanced flower fertilizer at planting and again when buds appear will fuel daisy growth. Organic compost also provides nutrients.
Maintenance: Deadheading spent blooms, and dividing overgrown plants helps maintain vigorous daisy growth year after year.
Tips For Quick Daisy Growth
Follow these tips if you would like to speed up daisy growing times:
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Start seeds indoors up to 2 months before your frost date. The head start will accelerate growth vs direct sowing seeds.
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Prepare garden beds with compost and fertilizer before planting. Fertile soil fuels faster growth.
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Make sure daisy plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is ideal.
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Water young plants regularly so the top few inches of soil stay moist. Mature daisies are more drought tolerant.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and again when flower buds start to form.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. This maintains vigorous growth.
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Divide overcrowded plants in spring or fall to rejuvenate. This stimulates new bloom growth.
In ideal conditions, most daisies will bloom in 10-18 weeks from seeds, depending on exact variety. Transplants may flower in just several weeks. Factors like climate, sunlight, and care impact growth rate. Follow the tips above to speed up how fast your daisies grow and flower. Soon you’ll be enjoying their iconic flowers!
When & Where to Plant Daisies
Potted Shasta daisies are planted in the fall and early spring. Seeds of Shasta daisy and Oxeye daisy are sown in early winter through late spring, and can also be sown in fall. Select a sunny site for your plants or seeds with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Protection from strong winds is also preferred as some taller varieties can flop over.
Potted plants should be planted with the crown above the soil. Seeds can be scattered at a rate of approximately 1/4 ounce/100 sq. ft. and should be left uncovered, as they need light to germinate. Tamp them down to make good soil/seed contact.
Light: Shasta daisy and ox-eye daisy do best in full sun. They can tolerate part-shade conditions, but flowering will be reduced.
Soil: Average to sandy soil works well for these daisies. Overly dry conditions will result in the plant losing vigor over the season and eventually dying out.
Spacing: 24-30 inches for plants. If spacing seeds and not broadcasting them, Shasta daisy should be spaced 6 inches apart and thinned to strong plants at least 18 inches apart. Ox-eye daisy seeds are often broadcast on disturbed soil and raked in for a more natural look.
Shasta daisies are rhizomatic and spread underneath the soil, increasing the clump size fairly quickly. Ox-eye daisies are notoriously vigorous, spreading through seed and rhizomes. Ox-eyes are considered invasive in some states and it is important to check this before planting.
Planting: Plant potted plants in fall or early spring and seeds in winter, spring, or fall.
Shasta daisy is a garden staple
Shasta daisy – a 3-4’ hybrid perennial that gardeners are often introduced to early in their gardening lives due to its simple beauty and ease of cultivation. The familiar daisy flowers come in white and shades of yellow and buff, with a great deal of variation in the petals surrounding the traditional yellow eye. Some dwarf varieties (8-12″) can grace the front of garden beds, while others sport strong, attractive foliage clumps that provide a backdrop to other blooming perennials in the garden.
Extremely cold hardy, this plant can be grown from seed or from transplanting potted starts. Given moist, average conditions, Shasta daisy grows well and grows strongly, allowing the gardener to propagate it easily throughout the garden and gather many blooms for inside vases. For those who wish to see carpets of white in their meadows or along the driveway, try its cousin, the vigorous Ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) – a plant so vigorous in fact, it is prohibited in some states and must be planted with care.
How to Plant and Grow Daisies from Seed
FAQ
Do daisies grow fast?
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Fast Growth:Many daisy varieties are quick growers, meaning they can develop from seed into mature plants with blooms relatively quickly.
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Spreading:Some daisies, like Shasta daisies, spread through rhizomes, which are underground stems that grow and form new plants. Ox-eye daisies also spread through seed and rhizomes.
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Germination:Daisy seeds typically germinate within 10-20 days.
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Bloom Time:While some varieties may bloom in their first year, others, like Shasta daisies grown from seed, may bloom in their second year.
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Adaptability:Daisies are known for their adaptability and are often used in container gardens, cut flower arrangements, and as accents in gardens.
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Deadheading:Deadheading (removing faded blooms) can encourage more growth and longer blooming periods.
How long does it take for daisies to bloom?
Plant your seeds in the soil about 1/8 inch deep. You can expect them to germinate in 10-20 days. Daisy plants will bloom the following year after one season’s growth.
Do daisies come back every year?
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Perennial Daisies:These daisies, like Shasta daisies and Golden marguerites, are known for their long-term growth and ability to come back year after year. They typically bloom in the summer and can be propagated by division or self-seeding.
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Annual Daisies:Some daisies, like Gerbera daisies, are annuals and only live for one growing season. They may not return the following year unless new plants are started from seed or purchased.
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Self-Seeding:Many perennial daisies naturally self-seed, meaning they drop seeds that will germinate and grow into new plants the following year. This is a common way for them to spread and ensure their return.
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Division:Perennial daisies can also be easily divided and propagated by separating the root ball and planting the divisions. This can be done in early spring before growth starts or in early fall after flowering.
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Factors Affecting Return:While most perennial daisies will return, their longevity and vigor can be affected by factors like sunlight, watering, soil drainage, and the specific variety. Poor conditions can make them less likely to return or thrive.
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Climate Considerations:Some daisy varieties are more hardy to cold and can be grown as perennials in colder climates, while others are more tender and may be grown as annuals in colder regions.
Do daisies like full sun or shade?
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Shasta Daisies:Proven Winners and The Spruce recommend full sun to partial shade, with full sun being ideal for the most blooms.
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English Daisies:These are known for their ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
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Other Daisies:Many other daisy types, like the Gloriosa daisy, also prefer full sun to partial sun.
Why are my daisies not growing?
Comments Section Lack of blooms could be due to several reasons like insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or nutrient deficiencies. Make sure they’re getting at least 6 hours of sunlight and consider dividing the clumps if they’re too dense. A balanced fertilizer might also help!
How long do potted daisies last?
- Light: Gerbera daisies need bright, indirect light to thrive.
- Watering: Water frequently, about 1-2 times per week during active growth, ensuring the soil is well-draining.
- Temperature: Moderate temperatures are ideal for indoor gerbera daisies.
- Fertilizer: Provide a high-phosphorus fertilizer every two weeks to promote blooms.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage new ones.
- Repotting: Repot annually to provide fresh soil and prevent root rot.
- Climate: In warmer climates, gerbera daisies can be grown as perennials, while in colder regions, they are often treated as annuals.