Daisies – who doesn’t know these cheerful-looking summer bloomers? It is advisable to use scissors not only to extend their flowering period, but also for other reasons. Proper cutting is part of good care.
Why should you cut daisies?
To extend the flowering period of daisies, cut off withered flowers regularly. Alternatively, a radical cut can be carried out at the end of July/beginning of August. Pruning measures also promote bushier growth and enable propagation through cuttings.
Prolong the flowering period
The main reason to cut daisies is to extend the flowering period. If you continually remove the withered flowers, the daisy will produce new flower buds by autumn. Then the flowering period can last from the beginning of June to October.
Two options: individual cuts or radical cuts
Take a pair of sharp scissors and place them underneath the old calyxes. Snap! One session per week should be enough. Alternatively, you can cut back the entire daisy by a third towards the end of July/beginning of August. This also causes a subsequent flower bloom.
Promote or prevent self-seeding?
If you don't remove the old flowers, the seeds will form. This takes a lot of strength out of a daisy. Therefore, such a step should be carefully considered. Self-sowing often occurs as a result of seed formation.
Get cuttings for propagation
Another reason to visit the daisy with scissors is to propagate it using cuttings. This is how it works:
- for bush daisies
- in late summer
- Cut 10 to 12 cm long shoots at an angle
- if applicable remove lower leaves and flowers
- put in potting soil
- Keep substrate moist
- place in a semi-shady to shady but warm place
- Rooting duration: 4 to 6 weeks
Make the growth bushier
You can also make the daisy's growth bushier with the right cut. To do this, simply trim the young plants frequently. They then grow more branched and dense and also have more flower heads.
Preparing for wintering
This should be noted:
- in autumn before the first frost
- cut down to 10 cm above the ground
- then overwintering
- Constantly remove yellow, dried leaves
- new shoots in spring
- It is better not to cut daisies in the pot in autumn (shoots serve as protection)
Tip
Since daisies contain a contact allergen, if you have sensitive skin, you should wear gardening gloves when cutting as a precaution.