Common Daisy Pomponette Mix is a richly flowering selection of the familiar English daisy, producing striking, fully double, pompon-shaped flowers in shades of white, light pink, deep pink and red. This compact plant belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is an excellent choice for borders, flower beds, rock gardens, containers and patio pots. Its low, bushy growth forms colourful carpets that brighten the garden from early spring onwards. The flowers are not only highly decorative but also attract large numbers of bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Regular removal of faded flowers encourages a much longer flowering period. If some flowers are allowed to set seed, the plants self-seed readily and spread naturally through the garden, making Common Daisy Pomponette Mix an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly and natural gardens.
In the garden, this compact spring-flowering plant combines beautifully with other early bloomers such as pansies, forget-me-nots, primroses, tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths (Muscari) and low ornamental grasses. It is equally attractive along garden paths, as colourful edging or in window boxes and containers. When sown during summer, the plants first produce a compact leaf rosette and flower abundantly the following spring. Although Common Daisy Pomponette is often grown as a biennial, it is naturally a hardy, short-lived perennial. Under favourable conditions it will continue to grow and flower for several years, especially when the plants are rejuvenated regularly or allowed to self-seed. Common Daisy Pomponette Mix flowers from March to June, often producing a second flush of flowers in autumn during mild weather. Hardy perennial. Height: 10 - 15 cm.
Outdoor sowing: end of May - early July
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temperature: 20 - 25 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Plant distance: 15 - 20 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Flowering period: April - July (the year after sowing)
Sow Common Daisy from late May until early July in a nursery bed or seedbed outdoors. During germination, choose a sheltered location with light shade to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with approximately ½ cm of fine seed compost or soil. Firm the soil gently and keep the seedbed evenly moist throughout the germination period, but never waterlogged. At a soil temperature of 20 - 25 °C, the first seedlings usually appear after 14 - 21 days. Keep the seedbed free of weeds during this period so that the young plants receive sufficient light and space to develop.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to a spacing of 10 - 15 cm. From August onwards, transplant the young plants to their final growing position, allowing 15 - 20 cm between each plant so they can develop into compact flowering clumps. Common Daisy grows best in full sun or light partial shade. It prefers a humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains slightly moist. Avoid prolonged wet conditions, especially during winter, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
After transplanting, the plants first develop a compact leaf rosette. Their abundant flowering begins in the spring of the following year. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prolong the blooming season. If you would like the plants to self-seed naturally, allow a few flower heads to mature. Common Daisy is ideal for flower borders, rock gardens, path edging, window boxes, containers and patio pots. The flowers attract large numbers of bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, making them a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The flowers can be picked throughout the flowering season for small bouquets or floral decorations. Regular picking also encourages the production of new flowers. If you wish to collect your own seed, allow several flower heads to ripen fully on the plant. Harvest the dry seed heads, allow them to dry for a few more days if necessary, and store the seeds in a paper bag or airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. Under good storage conditions, the seeds remain viable for 2 - 3 years.
