There are many daisy varieties, but the best care practices are similar for all of them. Daisies prefer full sun, but some can handle partial shade, especially in hotter regions. Find a spot with well-draining soil and water often enough for the soil to stay evenly moist. Wilting is a sign of underwatering, while yellowed leaves indicate overwatering. Mulch can help moisture and heat management, but it isn’t necessary, as these prairie flowers are great adapters.

This hardiness also makes daisies resistant to pests and diseases. The most serious threats are aphids, thrips, spider mites, leaf spot, verticillium wilt and powdery mildew. Keep your garden clean and ensure plenty of air circulation to minimize the risks to your flowers.

Along with easy care, daisies are easy to start from seed. Begin 4-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, using a flat tray with seed-starting mix. Press the seeds in gently and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist and well-lit. After the seeds develop true leaves, thin the smallest seedlings. Harden seedlings off for a week before transplanting. Propagating new plants from mature plants is also an option.

Plant or transplant daisies outdoors once the soil is workable and there is no threat of frost. Spacing should be based on the variety; some daises can be placed six inches apart while others require 3-4 feet. Avoid clay-based soils and other heavy soils, which greatly increase the chances of root rot. Note that some daisy cultivars won’t fully bloom until the second season.

Daisies are good choices for container growing, especially if you want to control their footprint. Your pots should be at least 12 inches deep and have drainage holes; fill them with a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix. Repotting the daisies to a slightly larger container each year will let the roots further develop.

In most cases, daisies don’t need much fertilization. Work compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil when you plant/transplant. Then, early each spring, apply the same fertilizer as a top dressing. If the soil is poor or you are raising daisies in containers, fertilizing once a month may be necessary. Do soil testing to decide on the best schedule for your flowers.

Daisies are perennials, and in the warmer growing zones, care remains the same during the winter months. For cooler climates, add a thick layer of organic mulch around the base and cut watering by half. Remove the mulch when spring arrives. Row covers can protect against harsh winds.

Pruning is not required, but it can help increase bloom periods and lifespan. Remove any spent blooms so new flowers can grow, and cutting the stems back in the late spring will make the plant bushier. Daisies are known to sprawl if you let them, so pruning also controls growth and maintains the shape.

Full blooms with healthy stems are perfect for cutting. Using sterile, sharp scissors or shears, cut the stem directly below the bud or a leaf node. Immediately place the stem in water to keep air out. Cutting at a 45-degree angle will increase water absorption.