How to Care for Marguerite Daisies
Marguerite daisies are favored by gardening enthusiasts for their fresh and elegant flower shapes and incredibly long blooming period. This ornamental plant, native to the Canary Islands, can bloom throughout the year with scientific care. Mastering the three core elements of soil mixture, light adjustment, and water and fertilizer control, along with regular pruning, can make Marguerite daisies bloom in their most enchanting splendor.
Four Core Elements of Marguerite Daisy Care
1. Scientific Soil Matrix Mixture
Marguerite daisies have root systems that require high soil aeration, and a golden mixture of 5:3:2 (black mountain soil: garden soil: perlite) is recommended. The potting soil needs to be replaced every two years, and adding bone meal as a base fertilizer during potting can significantly improve soil fertility.
2. Intelligent Light Control Solution
Keep 6-8 hours of diffused light in spring and autumn, use 50% shade net protection in summer, and supplement with LED grow lights to 12 hours of light per day in winter. If there is continuous rain and clouds during the blooming period, plant growth lights can be used to maintain a light intensity of 3000-5000 lux.
3. Precise Water Management System
Adopt the "dry-wet cycle" watering method: water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry for 2 centimeters until water overflows from the bottom of the pot. Combined with a soil moisture meter, maintain 40-60% moisture content in spring and summer, and control it around 30% in autumn and winter. Special note: The water temperature should be consistent with the room temperature to avoid root stimulation.
4. Phased Fertilization Strategy
In the growing season (March-May), apply a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (20-20-20) weekly; in the bud formation period (June-August), switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-20); and in the full bloom period (September-November), add potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer every half month. Follow the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently, with the concentration controlled between 0.1%-0.2%.
Advanced Pruning Techniques for Marguerite Daisies
Immediately remove the spent flowers and the two pairs of leaves below the flower stems after flowering, and combine with pinching to promote new branches. Shape prune every quarter, keeping the main stem 15-20 cm, and remove crossing and weak branches. Pruning tools need to be disinfected with 75% alcohol, and the cut surfaces should be coated with carbendazim to prevent infection.
With a scientific care system, Marguerite daisies can bloom throughout the four seasons. It is recommended to use a plant growth monitor to track temperature and humidity changes in real-time, regularly check the soil EC value, and dynamically adjust the care plan based on the plant's condition, allowing this "maiden flower" to continue blooming with its charming allure.