Full-Flowered Daisies Are True Beauties

Daisies, also known as common daisies (lat. Bellis perennis) grow in every lawn, so it might seem that cultivating them is completely unnecessary. This is not the case, these beauties from the Asteraceae family (lat. Asteraceae) can decorate any garden, you just need to choose the right cultivar. Cultivated varieties are very popular among growers. They can be planted directly in flower beds, and they also excel in window boxes and decorative containers.

Common daisies are perennials, but cultivated specimens are usually grown as biennials because their flowers tend to become smaller over time. Cultivars most commonly feature white, pink or red flowers. Flower heads grow even in cultivated daisies from a rosette-arranged tuft of leaves on approximately 5 – 20 cm long stems. Daisy flowers are composed of narrow ligulate petals. Their number depends on whether it is a double-flowered or single-flowering variety.

The basic double-flowered daisy cultivar is a cushion-forming perennial, which is most often grown only as a biennial. It is sown from June to July in a cold frame or in a sowing device. The ideal temperature for germination is approximately 18 °C. Planting mature seedlings in their final location is carried out from August to September. A spacing of approximately 20 x 20 cm is most commonly used for planting. Plants planted in autumn flower the following spring – from March to early July. Daisies will survive in their location without problems for several years, but each year the flowers will become smaller and smaller. One of the best-known daisy cultivars is "Super Enorma". This is a double-flowered variety suitable for growing in beds, borders, window boxes and decorative containers. It can also be grown in slightly shaded locations, but it flowers more abundantly in direct sunlight.

Growing ornamental daisies

Ornamental daisies are undemanding to grow. The key to successful cultivation is planting in a sunny location. Although they will also grow in light partial shade, they will flower less. Daisies grow in garden soil that is well-drained. Water and nutrient requirements are not very high, daisies will manage with regular watering. Watering is always determined by current climatic conditions and the location where the daisy is planted. During dry periods, watering more frequently is necessary, especially plants grown in containers can dry out very quickly. Ornamental daisies are propagated by seeds, which are sown in spring and planted in beds or boxes in autumn. Daisies flower from March to September.

Don't Judge Wild Daisies, They're Beneficial to Your Health...

Wild daisies, also known as common daisies (Latin: Bellis perennis), are perennial plants that can grow up to 25 cm in height. They usually don't reach this size because they meet the lawnmower first. Daisy leaves are grouped in a basal rosette, with an ovate shape. From the leaf rosette grows a finely hairy, leafless stem that bears only one flower. The flower head has a diameter of approximately 1 – 3 cm. The flowers consist of white to pink ray florets, which are often reddish at the tip. The center of the flower is formed by a yellow disc. The fruit of the common daisy is an achene approximately 1 mm in size.

The common daisy grows in lawns, gardens, and meadows from lowlands to mountain areas. Common daisies can be found throughout Europe and Western Asia.

Medicinal Properties of Daisies

Daisies are beneficial to health thanks to their content of saponins, tannins, bitter substances, minerals, resins, organic acids, flavonoids, and inulin. The collected parts are the flowers or flowering tops. Flowers collected in spring contain the most active compounds. Daisies are used to support expectoration, and have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The use of daisies has also proven effective for urinary tract infections and kidney inflammation. Baths with daisies are used to treat eczema, psoriasis, lichen, rashes, and acne. Daisy decoction can also be used for gallbladder diseases. For eye inflammations, daisy compresses are applied. For bruises, compresses made from crushed daisy leaves are used. The flowers can be used both internally and externally without any risk.

Where the Name Daisy Comes From

The Latin name of the daisy "Bellis" is derived from the Latin word "bellus," which translates to "beautiful." Ancient legends say that the meadow nymph Belidis was transformed into a daisy when she tried to escape the amorous advances of Vermunus, the Roman god of the regular succession of seasons.

The daisy is associated with purity, innocence, and faithful love. It is dedicated to the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus. Egyptian legend tells that the first daisies grew from the tears shed by the Virgin Mary when her family fled to Egypt. Medieval paintings depicted daisies as a symbol of the purity and innocence of baby Jesus.

"He loves me, he loves me not"

The daisy, just like the oxeye daisy, is used to find out whether love is reciprocated or not.