- Extend the flowering period
- Cut back in the fall - preparation for wintering
- In spring, cut away shoots that have formed over the winter
- Is the cape basket suitable for vase cutting?
- Cutting to obtain cuttings
Cutting is an important part of caring for the Cape Marguerite, at least if you want to enjoy it and its flowers for a long time. But it is not a coercive measure. Read on if you want to know how it works!
Withered flowers of the daisy should be cut
Extend the flowering period
Summer is the peak of the Cape daisy's flowering period. The flowers are literally shooting up. After the first appearance, the withered flowers should be cut away - before the fruit/seeds develop. This saves the perennial energy.
Next comes a rest period for several weeks. Do not be surprised! The second flowering phase begins in late summer or early autumn and lasts until October, depending on when the first frost sets in.
Cut back in the fall - preparation for wintering
The second pruning takes place in autumn. After the flowers have died due to the frost, the Cape daisy is cut down to 1/3 of its size. Then it can be cleaned up. This cut makes sense because the plant has to supply fewer leaves with water and nutrients when it hibernates in winter.
In spring, cut away shoots that have formed over the winter
As spring approaches, it's time to slowly reaccustom the Cape Dainty to the sunlight. This evergreen plant has often formed new shoots and leaves over the winter. You should now cut these down by hand. This is followed by lively new growth.
Is the cape basket suitable for vase cutting?
You can cut off the freshly blossomed flowers and put them in a vase. They are well suited for cutting vases. It is best to cut them off in the early morning hours and change the vase water daily so that the flowers last a long time.
Cutting to obtain cuttings
If you want to multiply the cape daisy:
- in spring or summer
- Select and cut off strong shoots
- Minimum length 10 cm
- remove lower leaves
- put half in potting soil and keep moist
- put in a warm place
- Rooting after a few weeks
tips
If the shoots of the African daisy are heavily infested with aphids, it is advisable to cut off the affected parts so that the pests do not spread to other parts.