How to propagate daisies

The grafting method of daisy has high technical requirements and the breeding process is relatively complicated. Without superb cutting and grafting skills, selection of good varieties, artificial pollination and other techniques, it is difficult to breed successfully. This method of propagation is only carried out in a nursery when a large number of seedlings are needed.

When growing daisies at home, you can use sowing, division, and cuttings to propagate them.

Seed propagation

Sowing time (North-South differences)

In the south, sowing is mostly done in autumn from August to September. In the north, daisies are mostly sown in spring, but can also be sown in autumn, but in winter they should be moved into a relatively warm indoor environment.

Covering/watering

Mix the seeds with fine sand and spread them, then cover them with fine soil about 0.5 cm thick. After sowing, cover with a shade net and water thoroughly. Watering should be done with a fine spray to prevent the soil surface from becoming compacted.

Temperature/humidity

After sowing, keep the temperature at around 28°C, and cover with plastic film when it is cold and rainy in early spring to maintain soil moisture and temperature. After about 10 days, the seedlings will emerge from the soil. Remove the shade net or plastic film and transplant them to the field when the seedlings have 2-3 pieces.

Propagation by division

Since seedlings vary greatly, some excellent varieties can be propagated by division, but their growth potential is not as good as that of seedlings and their fruit set is poor. In mid-to-late March, the old chrysanthemums can be dug out to expose the root neck, and the side buds with roots can be cut off together with the old roots and transplanted into a new pot. Propagation by division can be carried out when new shoots sprout.

Cutting propagation

Cutting propagation can be carried out throughout the growing season, with the highest survival rate from April to June.

It is best to use new soil mixed with composted organic fertilizer for the seedbed.

Cut branches with 3-5 nodes and 8-10 cm long, remove the leaves at the base, and bury them in the soil at a depth of 1/3-1/2 of the length of the cuttings.

After cuttings, keep the soil moist, avoid waterlogging, and provide shade in hot seasons.