
Rothrock's Townsend Daisy
Townsendia rothrockii
Grow Time
60-75 days
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Every 7-10 days
Toxicity
Non-toxic
How to plant Rothrock's Townsend Daisy: Step-by-Step Guide
Growing Guide
Preparation

What you'll need:

Seeds or young plants of Rothrock's Townsend Daisy

A pot (at least 8 inches wide with drainage holes) or a small garden space

Sandy or well-draining soil (this plant prefers drier, rocky conditions)
- A bit of gravel or small stones for better drainage
- A sunny spot in your yard or on your balcony
When to start:
Rothrock's Townsend Daisy is a wildflower that thrives in dry, warm environments. The best time to plant it is during the spring, just after the last frost has passed. If you live in a warmer area, early fall could also work.
Choosing a good spot:
These daisies love lots of sunlight and don’t do well in soggy soil. If you're planting outdoors, look for a sunny patch that doesn’t hold water after it rains. If using pots, make sure they have plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
Pro tip: Mix some sand or gravel into your soil before planting to mimic the natural rocky conditions this plant loves!
Planting

If you’re starting with seeds:
- Fill your pot or prepare your garden bed with well-draining soil.
- Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface of the soil. Don’t bury them too deep—just press them gently into the soil so they have contact but are still exposed to light.
- Lightly sprinkle some fine gravel or sand over the seeds. This helps keep moisture around them while preventing them from being washed away when you water.
- Water lightly but thoroughly to moisten the soil without soaking it.
- Place the pot or bed in a sunny location where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
If you’re using young plants:
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
- Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the sandy soil mix and lightly press down to secure the plant.
- Water it right away, but don’t overdo it—these plants prefer drier soil.
Planting tip: Space each plant about 8-10 inches apart if planting multiple daisies. They’ll spread out as they grow!
Growing Care

Watering:
- Rothrock’s Townsend Daisy doesn’t like wet feet! Water sparingly, only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch.
- In hot weather, check every few days, but remember, less is more with these daisies. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Sunlight:
- These plants thrive in full sun. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you notice the plant looking leggy or not flowering, it might need more light.
Feeding:
- You don’t need to fertilize much, if at all. Too much fertilizer can actually harm this plant because it naturally grows in poor soils. If you feel the need to feed, use a very diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning:
- After the flowers fade, you can trim back the spent blooms (this is called deadheading). It encourages the plant to produce more flowers and keeps it looking tidy.
Problem-solving tips:
- Yellow leaves? Likely overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
- No flowers? Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight—it needs plenty of light to bloom.
- Pests? While generally pest-resistant, if you see any bugs, spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off.
Harvesting

When to enjoy your daisies:
Rothrock’s Townsend Daisy blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are small but striking, with white petals surrounding a yellow center. You won’t be harvesting these for eating, but they’re perfect for enjoying in your garden or cutting for a simple bouquet!
How to cut flowers:
- Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip the flower stem close to the base.
- Place the freshly cut flowers in a small vase with water to enjoy indoors.
- Remember not to take too many flowers at once if you want the plant to continue blooming throughout the season.
End-of-season care:
Once the blooming period is over, you can let the seed heads form if you’d like the plant to reseed itself naturally. Alternatively, trim back the plant to keep it neat and healthy for next year.
Plant Care FAQ
Q: Can I grow Rothrock’s Townsend Daisy indoors?
A: It’s not ideal since this plant loves full sun and dry conditions. However, if you have a very sunny window or a bright indoor space, you can try growing it in a pot with excellent drainage.
Q: How often should I water my daisy?
A: Only water when the soil is completely dry. Depending on your climate, this might mean watering every 7-10 days—or even less frequently. Always err on the side of caution to avoid overwatering.
Q: Why isn’t my daisy blooming?
A: Lack of sunlight is the most common reason. Make sure it’s getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, ensure you’re not overwatering, as soggy soil can stress the plant.
Q: Is this plant safe for pets?
A: Yes, Rothrock’s Townsend Daisy is non-toxic to pets, so it’s a safe choice for gardens where animals roam.
Q: Can I divide this plant?
A: Generally, no. These daisies don’t respond well to division. Instead, let them reseed naturally or collect seeds to start new plants elsewhere.
Pro Tips
1. Less is more
Remember, this plant thrives in neglect! Don’t overwater, and avoid giving it nutrient-rich soil. Mimic its natural habitat by keeping things lean and dry.2. Companion planting
Plant Rothrock’s Townsend Daisy alongside other drought-tolerant plants like lavender or sedum. Together, they create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.3. Rock garden superstar
This daisy is perfect for rock gardens or areas with poor soil. Its natural preference for rocky, sandy conditions means it will thrive where other plants might struggle.4. Watch for reseeding
If you allow the flowers to go to seed, you may find new daisies popping up in unexpected places next season—a delightful surprise!5. Container gardening
If you’re planting in pots, line the bottom with gravel or broken pottery pieces to improve drainage even further. This helps prevent water from pooling at the roots.6. Attract pollinators
These daisies are great for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Their small, bright blooms act like a magnet for beneficial insects.7. Winter care
In colder climates, add a light layer of mulch (like straw or pine needles) around the base of the plant in late fall. This helps protect the roots during winter without trapping moisture.