Daisy
Bellis perennis
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Pl. 4BBB — Bellis perennis
Bellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennisBellis perennis
IOverview
Overview
Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for both culinary and ornamental uses, daisies are valued for their edible flowers and leaves. One distinctive feature is the plant's ability to grow in a variety of soil types, from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with an optimal pH range of 5.5–6.5. Its small stature, reaching only about 0.2 meters, makes it suitable for garden borders and beds.
Quick answers
What is Daisy?
Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Daisies (Bellis perennis) thrive in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5 and require partial shade to full sun. They are hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-8. Propagate by division or seed sowing. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. For best results, plant daisies in light (sandy), medium, or clay soils and provide them with a mix of partial shade to full sun exposure. Their perennial nature makes them a reliable addition to any garden, reaching heights of 0.2 meters.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Daisy for the first time
8steps
Start with daisies as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Daisy seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant daisies in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors a few weeks earlier and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms. Mulch around plants in winter to protect roots.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune daisies by cutting back spent flower heads to promote new growth and a longer blooming season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting deadheading, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The daisy's flowers and leaves are edible. The flowers can be used fresh in salads or dried for teas, while the young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb. Both parts add a mild, slightly bitter taste to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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