How to Care for Daisies
As the spirit of the spring flower bed, daisies captivate the hearts of numerous gardening enthusiasts with their fresh and elegant blooms. However, many gardeners find that despite their meticulous care, their daisies often do not thrive. In fact, to make this seemingly delicate plant burst into a colorful sea of flowers, one needs to master three golden rules: precise light and temperature control, scientific fertilization and watering management, and full-cycle care strategies.
Four Key Elements of Daisy Care
Light Management: Secrets to Growing in the Sun
Daisies are typical light-sensitive plants, requiring more than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full-daylight care can be used in spring and autumn, while a sunshade net should be set up from 10:00 to 15:00 in summer to filter 30% of strong light. Special tip: Regularly rotating the pot 180° can ensure even light exposure and prevent etiolation.
Temperature Control: The Golden Growth Point at 20°C
The optimal growth temperature range is between 18-22°C. When the temperature exceeds 25°C, a cooling system should be activated: ① spray water on the leaves to cool, ② lay陶粒 (ceramic stones) on the ground for insulation, ③ turn on the circulation fan. In winter, they can overwinter outdoors if the temperature is above -5°C, but a 10-15°C temperature difference should be maintained during the bud differentiation period.
Smart Watering: Dry-Wet Cycle System
How to Care for Daisies
Adopt the "dry-wet" 2.0 watering method: water thoroughly when the top 2cm of soil is dry, combined with a siphon-type drainage layer design. Key data: maintain 60% soil moisture during the seedling stage and control it around 45% for mature plants. It is recommended to use an intelligent pot with humidity monitoring during the plum rain season.
Precise Fertilization: The Three-Part Nutrition Theory
Customize the nutrition plan: base fertilizer (decomposed sheep manure + bone meal) accounts for 60% of the annual amount, apply 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer weekly during the growing period, and switch to a flowering fertilizer with 70% phosphorus and potassium during the budding stage. Remember: after fertilizing, rinse the leaves with water to avoid salt crystallization burns.
Advanced Techniques for Flowering Period Control
The flowering period can be precisely controlled through light and temperature coordination: ① extend daylight to 14 hours/day to advance flowering by 15 days, ② maintain a temperature difference of 15°C at night and 25°C during the day to increase flower size by 30%, ③ promptly prune the remaining flowers after flowering and supplement with chelated iron fertilizer to achieve flowering in both spring and autumn.
Mastering these scientific care methods can turn your balcony into a sea of daisies. Remember the key tips: nourish the roots in spring, protect the leaves in summer, promote flowering in autumn, and store energy in winter, combined with the use of smart monitoring equipment, even gardening beginners can easily enjoy the joy of a full pot of flowers.