English daisies are biennial plants that grow up to six inches tall and produce flat rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves. The flower stems have no leaves and produce flowers with a ring of white, pink, or red rays encircling a yellow center. Daisies with a single ring of rays are the most common type, but these cheery flowers also come in double flower varieties. This means they have double (or more) the amount of rays, giving the daisy a frilly appearance. Though biennials, these plants are often grown as annuals. They are perfect for attracting bees and butterflies and make great additions to rock gardens, pollinator gardens, or wildflower meadows. They can also be used as a garden border or grown in containers. Do not eat these flowers, as they can be toxic. General care for the English daisy is very minimal, making these flowers a great choice for a more hands-off gardening experience. Regular watering and the occasional deadheading are all that are required to keep these plants healthy and blooming.
Light
The English daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, they do not fare well in intense heat. If you live in an area with intense midday heat, it is best to provide afternoon shade to protect your daisies.
Soil
Considering that this flower is a prolific spreader, it comes as no surprise that English daisies can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions. However they do require soil that is moist and well-draining. By meeting these requirements, you can grow English daisies almost anywhere, including in containers. Just be sure that your pot has drainage holes.
Water
English daisies prefer moist soil. Keeping a regular watering schedule will help these plants stay hydrated and healthy, particularly when the hotter summer months approach. Adding a layer of mulch around your daisies will help maintain needed moisture levels as well as moderate the temperature of the soil. For potted daisies, you may need to water more often since containers dry out easily.
Temperature and Humidity
English daisies like cool temperatures and do not tolerate excessive heat. In hot summers, it is not uncommon for English daisies to die off and require removal. However, they can withstand light frosts. Because they love moist soil, medium to higher humidity levels are ideal.
Fertilizer
English daisies are heavy feeders and prefer nutrient-rich soil. They benefit from the occasional fertilizing. Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Depending on your soil, you may want to feed them once a month during their growing season.
Varieties of English Daisy
‘Galaxy Red’: This deep red flower is a low-growing variety, making it perfect for borders. It sports a thick double frill of ruby red rays. ‘Pomponette’: This double variety has quilled rays which give these flowers a striking frilly appearance. They can be found in red, pink, or white.
‘Tasso Strawberries and Cream’: As suggested by its name, this double variety boasts creamy pink and white blooms. Their creamy color makes them perfect companions for other soft-colored flowers. ‘Habanera Mix’: These daisies create stunning flowers with so many rays you may not even see the yellow centers. Being a mixed variety, this plant also produces a variety of colors including red, pink, white, and white with red or pink tips.
Propagating English Daisy
English daisies can be propagated by division. It is best to divide English daisies either in the early spring or after they are done flowering.
How to Grow English Daisy from Seed
To start daisies from seed, simply collect and sow the seeds from the plant as soon as they are ripe. Seeds can be sown in the fall, but this timing is best in areas with mild winters. For areas with harsh winters, direct sow your seeds in the early spring.
