Sword Townsend Daisy

If Starting with Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with well-draining soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface—don’t bury them too deep. Just press them gently into the soil.
3. Lightly water the soil, keeping it moist but not soaked. The tiny seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover them completely.
4. Place the pots in a sunny location where they’ll stay warm. Germination usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings have grown a couple of true leaves, they’re ready to be moved to larger pots or directly into the garden.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, lightly pressing around the base to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil settles nicely around the roots.

Spacing Tip: Space the plants about 8-10 inches apart. This allows enough room for air circulation and prevents overcrowding as they grow.

Sunlight Needs:

These daisies love sunlight, so make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. If you notice the plant looking a bit leggy or pale, it might not be getting enough light.

Watering Tips:

• The Sword Townsend Daisy prefers drier conditions, so water sparingly—only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Overwatering is a common mistake, so err on the side of caution!

Fertilizing:

• These plants are pretty low-maintenance and don’t require heavy feeding. A light sprinkle of general-purpose fertilizer once in early spring should be enough.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to more foliage growth rather than flowers.

Support & Pruning:

• While these daisies don’t typically need staking, you may want to trim any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
• After the flowers bloom and start to fade, you can deadhead them (remove spent blooms) to encourage more flowering.

Seasonal Care:

• In colder climates, add a light layer of mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots during winter.
• In warmer areas, reduce watering during the hottest months to prevent root rot.

When to Harvest Seeds:

If you’d like to collect seeds for next year’s planting, wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry out. This usually happens in late summer or early fall.

How to Collect Seeds:

1. Gently snip off the dried flower heads and place them in a paper bag.
2. Shake the bag lightly to release the seeds from the dried blooms.
3. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.

Using Flowers for Arrangements:

Sword Townsend Daisies make lovely additions to wildflower bouquets. Cut the flowers early in the morning when they’re fresh, and place them in water immediately. They’ll last several days indoors, adding a touch of delicate beauty to your space.

Tip: Don’t cut too many flowers if you want the plant to reseed itself naturally in your garden!

Q: Why are my daisy leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves often mean overwatering. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too wet. Let it dry out between waterings, and ensure your pot or garden bed has good drainage.

Q: My daisies aren’t blooming—what’s wrong?

A: Lack of flowers could be due to insufficient sunlight or too much fertilizer. Make sure they’re getting plenty of sun, and avoid overfeeding. These plants thrive in lean soil and don’t need much extra nourishment.

Q: Can I grow Sword Townsend Daisies in containers?

A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure the container has drainage holes and use a sandy, well-draining soil mix. These daisies do well in pots as long as they aren’t waterlogged.

Q: Do these daisies attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love these daisies. They’re a great addition if you’re trying to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

Q: Should I cut back the plant after flowering?

A: You can trim back the plant after blooming to tidy it up, but leave some seed heads if you want the plant to self-seed for next year.