African Daisy Planting Methods and Timing
Core content of this article: knowledge related to the planting methods and management points of African Daisies, and the introduction of the editor will follow.
African Daisies, also known as Gerbera, have rich colors, bright but not gaudy, with elegant and upright flowers. They bloom almost all year round, but the peak blooming periods are April-May and September-October. African Daisies are suitable for cut flowers or potted plants and are also suitable for clustering in the courtyard. For potted care, it is best to choose dwarf varieties and deep pots for planting. African Daisies prefer loose, fertile soil with good drainage and ventilation, which can be mixed in a ratio of 5:2:2:1 using leaf mold, garden soil, compost soil, and sandy soil.
When planting, the root neck should be slightly exposed above the ground, otherwise the young buds can easily become moist and rot, and the root stem is also prone to disease invasion. Keep the potting soil moist during the seedling stage, and during the flowering period, watering should be controlled to avoid excessive watering that can lead to weak flower stems. Watering should be done slowly from the edge of the pot, and never pour water directly on the center of the leaf cluster, as this can cause flower buds to rot. If the plant is in the growing stage, apply a thin solution of decomposed cake fertilizer every half month, and during the bud formation stage, apply a 0.5% solution of calcium superphosphate once. After each fertilization, water the plant the next day.
In the summer, when the weather is hot, the plant enters a semi-dormant state, and at this time, watering should be controlled, fertilization stopped, and the pot moved to a ventilated and cool place to prevent leaf drop. Also, during the care process, it is necessary to frequently remove overgrown old leaves to facilitate ventilation, increase the number of flowers, and maintain a fresh and beautiful plant shape. African Daisies are light-loving plants, and they require sufficient sunlight during care. Adequate light can make the plant stems strong and upright, leaves bright green, flowers large and round, and the color more vibrant.
If there is insufficient light during care, not only will the plant grow weakly, but the leaves will also become thin and yellow, and the flower stems will be soft and drooping, with small and pale flowers, which affects blooming. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a sunny area for care during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. After the flowers fade, the spent flower stems should be cut off promptly to avoid nutrient consumption. African Daisies can tolerate a bit of cold, and in the north, they can be moved indoors around mid-October, placed in a sunny spot, controlled watering, stopped fertilization, and the room temperature should be kept above 10 degrees Celsius.
African Daisy Planting Methods and Timing
Reasons for Root Rot
During the care of African Daisies, root rot often occurs due to improper care. The main reasons for African Daisy root rot are threefold: one is excessive watering during the dormant period, which can cause root rot, so do not water unless the soil is dry during dormancy; also avoid getting wet from rain, as it can lead to illness. The second is unsuitable potting soil; if the soil is heavy and has poor drainage, it can lead to root rot; therefore, it is best to use fertile, loose, and well-draining sandy soil. The third is planting too deep during division propagation, which can cause the young seedlings to rot and die; so it is best to leave the new buds exposed above the soil surface when planting.
The above is the full content of the planting methods and timing of African Daisies and the management points for growing African Daisies, hoping it is helpful to plant enthusiasts!