There is probably no wild plant that is better known than the daisy. Even children come into contact with the plant and it is a popular ingredient for fans of natural cuisine. In order for the roots to feel comfortable in the garden, certain conditions are necessary.
Daisies have long, thick roots for their size
This is how the daisy grows
Bellis perennis is a herbaceous perennial plant that develops a short root rhizome. This survives the winter in the ground and will sprout again in the coming spring. It protrudes vertically into the depths and is surrounded by fibrous and branched fine roots, which ensure the absorption of water and nutrients. The outer skin of the tuber appears beige to dark brown. The root system is reminiscent of lamb's lettuce roots.
Special features worth knowing:
- frequent mowing is not a problem because of the leaf rosettes lying close to the ground
- Flower heads align with the sun
- on rainy days and during the night, flowers are closed
Daisies in the garden
The native weed prefers to grow in full sun on moderately moist soil. It loves nutrient-rich and humus-rich substrates. If the outdoor area offers predominantly shady conditions, the daisy family does not feel particularly well. Dry and sandy soils affect growth. At the right location, the wild species takes up large areas within a short time.
maintenance
Once settled in the meadow, the daisy needs little attention. If the soil tends to be dry, you should ensure regular watering. On nutrient-rich soils, the plant does not require additional fertilization. If it grows in the same place for several years, or if the substrate offers few nutrients, an occasional application of compost makes sense. Winter protection is not required as the wild plant is frost hardy.
multiply
Subterranean runners develop from the short rhizome, with which the plant reproduces vegetatively. The spread also takes place via seeds, which belong to the light germs. If you don't want to wait for daisies to automatically settle on the freshly sown lawn, mix the fine seeds with grass seed and spread the mixture over the area.
harvest
Bellis perennis provides edible flowers and leaves. The rosette leaves remain in winter, so you can harvest the plant all year round. The green leaves that sprout in spring are particularly tasty and tender. It has a slightly sour nuance and the taste is reminiscent of mild sorrel. The flowers taste nutty and provide an aesthetic ingredient for salads.
cultivated forms
Cultivated forms are often offered commercially as daisies, which are descended from other species and develop similar flower shapes. The blue daisy is becoming increasingly popular. The species Brachyscome iberidifolia hides behind this daisy family with the blue-violet ray flowers. If you want to be sure that it is actually the well-known daisy, you should pay attention to the species name. A common cultivated form is the red-flowering variant 'Rob Roy'.