Growing Seaside Daisies.

Latest Update 4th October 2016.

Seaside Daisy.

• An evergreen perennial, this pretty plant grows continuously and profusely the whole year round, but they are at their best in early spring (see above).
• The flowers have pink petals when young which turn white as the plant matures.
• It is extremely hardy and grows best in full sun.
• It grows from rhizomes and is very drought tolerant. It grows well in all conditions including extreme heat and light frost.
• It attracts pollinating insects and insect predators, and is resistant to disease and insect pests.
• I cut it back hard in autumn and feed it with a light dressing of compost, and then include it in my monthly spray applications of aerated compost tea. Then I forget all about it.

Details.

• Binomial Name:                                                Erigeron glaucus.
• Family:                                                            Asteraceae.
• Garden bed type:                                              Drip line irrigated.
• Recommended soil pH:                                     6.5 - 7.5.
• Plant Spacings (centres):                                  500mm.
• Climate:                                                           Warm Temperate.
• Geography:                                                      Southern Hemisphere.

Growing Conditions:

• It is very hardy and requires very little attention.
• It survives well in poor soil, but benefit from a feed of homemade compost once a year, and well drained moist soil.
• Always minimise soil disturbances to maintain a natural soil structure.

Soil Preparation.

• Prepare a new bed in spring by removing old mulch, fallen leaves and other decaying organic material and disposing of them in the compost heap. I don't dig the soil.
• Apply a 60mm thick top dressing of home made compost, and cover with fresh straw mulch.
• Leave for 4 weeks so worm and microbe activity can build up structure in the soil.

Propagation.

• Propagate Seaside Daisies by root division using the rich wicking media in a
• Use a trowel to cut pieces off established plants at the edge of their root ball, and plant them directly into the sieved compost of a propagator.
• When ready, transplant them into the prepared bed and water in well with dilute seaweed extract (to suppliers recommendation).

Growing Instructions

• Apply a foliar spray of activated aerated compost tea every month when the edible plants are sprayed.
• In early autumn clear the ground of waste organic material and spent straw mulch beneath the plant and dispose of it in the compost heap.
• Trim the foliage back hard to expose new growth and feed the soil surrounding the plant by applying a dressing of homemade compost (about 60mm) covered with fresh straw mulch.

Organic Pest Control.

• General.
• I have not been aware of any pest problems with my Seaside Daisies, however sensible preventive measures like regularly spraying with aerated compost tea will boost their natural defences.
• Similarly, proper soil preparation including annual applications of home made compost boosts the community of beneficial microbes and defends roots against plant pathogens.