Barberton Daisy

Barberton daisies need plenty of water and must never be allowed to become dried out. Water the daisies deeply when the soil becomes completely dry. In general, drought-like conditions are not tolerated and growers should avoid excessively dry soil. Only apply water when the soil dries out to about one inch below the surface of the soil. During especially hot days, you may need to water your daisies twice a day for optimal results.

Barberton daisies prefer full sun or bright shade. When grown in direct sunlight, the daisies will need six to eight hours of direct light per day. When grown in bright shade, the daisy should receive four to five hours of filtered light per day. Too little light can skyrocket the price of a Barberton daisy as its buds and foliage may not form and leaf growth may be stunted. On the other hand, too much light can cause the blooms to fade to brown and the foliage to yellow and burn.

Barberton daisies can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 75°F (24°C). During the summertime, the temperature should not exceed 85°F (29°C). If temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), the daisy may need extra care as the leaves may become wilted and dried out. Use an outdoor thermometer to monitor temperatures and make sure to provide adequate shade in very hot climates.

Barberton daisies prefer high humidity. Aim to keep the humidity level between 50 to 60%, but never allow it to drop below 40%. Place a humidifier near your daisies to increase the humidity in the air and help keep the foliage and flowers looking their best. If your daisies are in an outdoor garden, it is best to mulch the soil to help the humidity stay consistent.

Barberton daisies prefer a light, sandy soil and will tolerate any type of soil as long as it is well-draining. Make sure to use a high-quality potting mix that is enriched with organic matter. It should be light and loamy, and watered regularly to provide moisture for the daisy’s roots.

Fertilize your Barberton daisies at least twice a year. Choose a fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus to promote healthy blooms. Water the plants before applying fertilizer and apply an amount that is appropriate for the size of the plant. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer since it is quick-acting and will promote better absorption.

Barberton daisies are susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Treat affected plants with a pesticide, either chemical-based or plant-based. Remove plant debris and weeds from around the daisy to avoid attracting more pests. If possible, keep your daisies in an area with good air circulation to help keep the pests away and control humidity. To help prevent an infestation, check your daisies regularly for signs of pests.

Barberton daisies should be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, water the daisy before switching containers and use a pot that is just a bit larger than the previous one. Be sure to use a high-quality, fast-draining potting soil and make sure the soil is moistened and not saturated. Repot during the spring for best results.

Barberton daisies need to be pruned throughout the year to remove wilted and dead foliage. Pruning will promote healthy new growth, but prune lightly in the late winter or early spring to avoid disrupting new growth and blooms. Cut back any dead or wilted blooms and foliage and remove any dead stems. Stems should be cut just above new growth or the base of the plant.

Mulching is important for Barberton daisies and helps keep the soil moist and the roots protected. Spread a two- to three-inch layer of mulch such as shredded bark or wood chips around plants to help retain moisture and limit weed growth. Choose an organic mulch material, such as wood chips, that thrives in your climate.

Barberton daisies can be propagated in a variety of ways. Division is the most popular way to propagate, but they can also be grown from seed, leaf cuttings, root cuttings, and stem cuttings. When propagating, it is important to use clean and sharp tools to ensure that the new daisy will not be contaminated. Also, be sure to plant the propagated daisy in a container with moist, well-draining soil.

When the blooms begin to form, Barberton daisies may need extra support. If your daisies are outdoors, you can construct a simple trellis or other structure to help the daisies stand upright and encourage upward growth. If your daisies are growing in pots, you can use a wooden stake to provide extra support.

Barberton daisies are generally dormant during the colder months. During the winter, they may require fewer waterings, but should not be allowed to dry out completely. Make sure the plant stays dry and warm in the winter and let the foliage die back naturally. Increase waterings in the spring when new growth begins to appear and the temperatures rise.

Barberton daisies are not toxic to pets, but if ingested, they may cause gastrointestinal distress. It is important to keep pets away from the daisies due to the chemical pesticides that are sometimes necessary for plant care.