Annual Daisy
bellis annua
Also known as: ["Common Annual Daisy","One-Year Daisy"]
Overview
A small, low-growing annual plant with simple white daisy-like flowers and lance-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Bellis |
| Botanical Name: | Bellis annua |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny to partially shaded spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove dead or damaged foliage and spent blooms without drastically cutting back
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid placing in deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging; water early in the day to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; amend with organic matter for better texture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); prefers cooler conditions in summer and mild winters.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing during dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for Bellis annua.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to encourage branching; remove any yellowing or diseased leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged parts; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and fall; reduce watering in summer and winter when growth slows.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or death if below 50°F (10°C); frost is particularly harmful.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor; heat stress is common in summer.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBellis annua is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBellis annua is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBellis annua is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impact when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bellis annua toxic to pets?
A: No, Bellis annua is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Bellis annua be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Bellis annua attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its daisy-like flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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