Tablelands Townsend Daisy

What you'll need:

Tablelands Townsend Daisy seeds (you may find them at specialty garden centers or online)

A small pot or a patch of your garden

Well-draining soil (it doesn’t have to be fancy—just something that drains well so the roots don’t sit in water)

• A sunny spot, since this daisy loves lots of light

When to start:

Spring is ideal for planting these flowers. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can also plant in early fall. The key is to avoid extreme heat or frost.

Choosing the right location:

This daisy enjoys sunlight but can tolerate some shade too. Find a place where it will get at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re planting in pots, make sure they have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

If you're starting from seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with well-draining soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and press them down gently—don’t bury them deep because they need light to germinate.
3. Water lightly using a spray bottle or a watering can with small holes to avoid washing the seeds away.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
5. Place the pot or tray in a sunny spot indoors or outside if the weather is mild.
6. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks.

Transplanting seedlings:

Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall and sturdy enough to handle, you can move them to larger pots or directly into the garden.

• Dig a small hole in the soil, just big enough to fit the root ball.
• Gently place the seedling in the hole, cover the roots with soil, and pat it down lightly.
• Water immediately after planting.

Spacing:

If you’re planting multiple daisies, leave about 6-8 inches between each one so they have room to grow without crowding.

Watering:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• This daisy doesn’t like to be overly wet, so err on the side of caution—water less rather than more.
• Aim to water the soil directly, not the leaves, to help prevent mold or mildew.

Sunlight:

• Try to give your daisy at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
• If the weather gets really hot, a little afternoon shade won’t hurt.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize often—once every 6-8 weeks with a light, all-purpose fertilizer will do.
• Over-fertilizing can actually harm the plant, so less is more here!

Pest control:

• Watch out for common garden pests like aphids or snails. If you see any, simply pick them off by hand or rinse the leaves with a gentle stream of water.
• Companion planting with herbs like rosemary or lavender can help keep pests away naturally.

Support:

• These plants usually stay small and compact, so they don't need staking or support. Just let them grow naturally!

When to enjoy the blooms:

• Your Tablelands Townsend Daisy should start flowering within a couple of months after planting.
• The flowers are small but beautiful, with white petals surrounding a yellow center.
• Blooms typically last for several weeks, and sometimes longer if you remove spent flowers (a process called deadheading).

How to harvest (optional):

• While this daisy isn’t typically grown for harvesting, you can cut a few flowers to bring indoors for a small bouquet.
• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip the flower stem close to the base of the plant.
• Place the cut flowers in a vase with fresh water, and they’ll brighten up your home for a few days.

Deadheading:

• To encourage more blooms, regularly pinch or cut off faded flowers. This tells the plant to focus its energy on producing new buds instead of making seeds.

Q: Why are my daisy's leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy, and consider letting the top layer dry out before watering again.

Q: My daisies aren’t blooming. What’s wrong?

A: They might not be getting enough sunlight. Ensure they're receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, check if you’ve been over-fertilizing—too much nitrogen can lead to lush green growth but fewer flowers.

Q: Can I grow this daisy indoors?

A: Yes, as long as you can provide plenty of sunlight! Place the pot near a south-facing window or use grow lights to supplement light if needed.

Q: How do I know if my daisy needs more water?

A: Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait another day or two before checking again.

Q: Is this daisy safe around pets?

A: Generally, daisies are non-toxic to pets, but it’s always best to discourage nibbling on plants just to be safe.