🌱 Indoor Seeding Guide
Starting Blue Eyed Daisy seeds indoors is a fantastic way to get an early jump on the growing period.
You will need a seed starting kit to begin. Plant the seeds 6-8 weeks prior to the final frost of spring, embedding them 1/8 inch deep in a seed starting mix. Maintain the soil’s moisture and temperature at 65-70°F.
Seedlings should sprout in 7-14 days.
🌱 Transplanting Tips
Once the 🌱 seedlings have sprouted, it’s crucial to transplant them into the garden with proper spacing.
They should be spaced 12-18 inches apart to ensure optimal growth and flower size.
This space allows each plant adequate areas to expand and receive enough sunlight and nutrients.
The soil conditions for these plants are essential.
They prefer an acidic soil 🪨 with a pH range of 5.0 to 5.5, achievable by adding compost to enhance soil quality 👩🌾. Moreover, the soil should be rich in organic material to supply the necessary nutrients for their development.
Regarding watering, keep these plants well-hydrated, especially during dry periods.
It’s recommended to water the plants approximately 1 inch per week, using a drip or trickle system to water at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage.
🪴 Container Gardening with Daisies
These 💮 flowers can also thrive in containers, making them a flexible option for any garden.
When cultivating them in containers, use a quality commercial potting soil and ensure the containers have well-maintained drainage.
This setup ensures that plants have the correct soil conditions and moisture levels necessary for their growth.
These plants can be implemented in various garden designs. They can be mixed with other summer-blooming annuals or perennials. They’re particularly fitting for cottage and children’s gardens, as well as for cutting gardens.
🦌 Deer Resistant Garden Choice
In addition to their adaptability, these plants are deer resistant, meaning they are less likely to be consumed by deer. This makes them an excellent option for gardens in regions with a high deer presence.
However, note that in conditions of scarce food, deer may still nibble on these flowers.
♋ Disease Prevention
To repel ♋ diseases, ensure appropriate air circulation around the plants, which can be achieved by proper spacing and promptly removing any affected plant parts 🪴.
Additionally, avoid watering from above to prevent disease spread, and apply mulch around the plants to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature.
🐝 Aphid Management
If 🍃 aphids become a problem, use methods like introducing natural predators such as lady beetles and wasps to control their population.
Alternatively, you can expel aphids with a strong water spray or apply insecticidal soap.
Other typical pests of these flowers include spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. These pests can be managed using natural predators, water sprays, hot pepper wax, and insecticidal soap.
📏 Proper Spacing
However, if the plants are spaced too closely, they may become tall and spindly with much smaller flowers 💮.
To ensure healthy growth and proper flower size, maintain spacing of 12-18 inches, allowing adequate sunlight and nutrients for each plant.
🥀 Hardening Off Blue Daisies
After transplanting seedlings to the garden, it’s vital to acclimate them before leaving them outside permanently.
To ‘harden off’ the seedlings, move them to a sheltered outdoor location for a week, gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Shield them from wind and intense sun initially, bringing them indoors if frost is expected.
This will help the seedlings adapt to the outdoor environment, ensuring their success in the garden.