Description of types and varieties of garden daisies, planting, cultivation and care

Garden perennial daisies are used for decorative purposes to decorate gardens and personal plots, as they are considered the most beautiful and romantic flowers. The plant is unpretentious, but with irregular care it can die. In order for the plant to please with its attractive appearance for many years, it is necessary to follow all the requirements for planting and caring for the crop.

Botanical description

Garden chamomile is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The stem, on which alternately bipinnate leaves are located, can reach a maximum height of 60 cm. The top of the plant is decorated with a large inflorescence, collected from many reed and non-reed flowers of white and yellow shades. The plant is characterized by active growth and early flowering.

Difference from real ones

Chamomile is considered a Russian folk flower, but this species can be found on many continents in cultivated form. In the wild, medicinal chamomile grows in meadows and fields, which is actively used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

According to biologists, garden chamomile has nothing to do with the wild plant. Because this is a nivberry, which differs from it in that it has less pronounced white petals, a thinner, dissected leaf blade and a rich aroma.

Peculiarities

Garden chamomile is distinguished by a strong and elastic stem and a dense, bright bud with snow-white petals and a yellow center. The plant can bloom for a long time, and sometimes throughout the summer. It looks great when cut and can maintain its original appearance for a long period.

Varieties

The most popular types of garden chamomile, preferred by most gardeners.

Lugovaya

The plant forms a bush, endowed with numerous straight stems reaching 90 cm in height. On each branch there is a bud, which is a yellow basket with white reed flowers.

Kurilskaya

Refers to late-flowering garden daisies, which grow no more than 20 cm. The root system is compact and strong. The maximum diameter of the inflorescence is 8 cm.

Bolotnaya

Quite a low species, reaching a height of 25 cm. Capable of forming a lush bush. The leaves have a bright green color, and the lateral flowers in the inflorescence are snow-white. The flower is characterized by an interesting shape, which is why the plant is often called chrysanthemum.

Largest

The plant reaches 1 m in height. The rhizome is localized on the surface. A large bud with a diameter of up to 10 cm has white petals arranged in several rows and a yellow center.

Large

Bush garden chamomile is large in size and is considered one of the largest species. The stem grows up to 90 cm in height, the bud itself is more than 15 cm in diameter.

Terry

The decorative perennial has impressive white flowers, a stem whose length varies from 50 to 100 cm. The inflorescence has a diameter of 10 to 12 cm. It begins to bloom from the beginning of June to the end of August.

Popular varieties

The culture can boast of such varieties.

Grandiflora Alaska

The inflorescence has snow-white petals and a dark yellow core. The bud can reach 10 cm in diameter, and the bush itself is 80 cm in height.

Crazy Daisy

The herbaceous plant has a straight stem up to 1 m high, on which there are oblong, pinnately dissected leaves with a serrated edge.The buds reach 12 cm in diameter and can be single or double.

May Queen

The bush up to 90 cm high is distinguished by double or semi-double inflorescences. It has a white tint to the ligulate flowers along the edges. Pleases with long flowering.

Princess

A small plant that grows no more than 30 cm in height. The diameter of the inflorescence is 8 cm. The plant blooms for no more than a month, but if you cut off the old bud, there is a possibility of extending the growing season.

North Star

It differs from other varieties in the presence of thin pointed petals collected in baskets. The width of the bud is 16 cm. The branched stem can grow up to 45 cm in length.

garden princess

A branched compact plant no more than 35 cm in height, has a large number of inflorescences more than 10 cm in diameter. The stems are characterized by density and elasticity.

Silver Princess

A small plant up to 30 cm in length, which forms new stems during the growth period, thanks to which it blooms throughout the growing season. It has large inflorescences with long white petaled flowers.

Winner

The variety is capable of reaching more than 90 cm in height. It became popular due to the large number of impressively sized buds with snow-white petals. It blooms from June to August for several years without replanting.

Landing

You can plant garden chamomile in several ways, namely by seedling method, sowing in open ground. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Using seeds

Seeds can be sown directly into the ground. This method is fast and does not require significant expenditure of time and energy.

Deadlines

Chamomile seeds have increased resistance to frost, so they are sown both in spring and autumn.Sowing before winter will not only ensure guaranteed germination of strong plants, but will also significantly save time in the spring. When planting in spring, make sure that the air temperature is 16 degrees.

Planting scheme

When planting garden chamomile seeds in open ground, carefully study the planting algorithm:

1. Thoroughly fluff up the soil saturated with mineral fertilizers.
2. Scatter the seeds thickly over it.
3. Sprinkle a little soil on top of the seeds.

The plant does not react well to wetlands, so care should be taken in advance to have a neutral area for planting.

Agrofibre

To ensure quick and guaranteed seed germination, it is recommended to use covering material. It is best to sow garden chamomile seeds under agrofibre.

Thinning

After the germinated plants have 3 pairs of true leaves, it is recommended to pinch off excess stems in order to speed up the growth of the main branches and improve their quality. The plant categorically does not tolerate condensation, so it needs timely thinning.

Watering

Water with extreme caution, since plants that have not yet matured may suffer under the influence of sharp streams of water.

Features of the seedling method

The method is considered the most successful. Seeds are selected in advance from the flower garden or purchased in March. They can be planted within a month after the first shoots, depending on the temperature and weather conditions.

Disembarkation

No more than three seeds should be planted in a tray with cells, and then covered with peat and sand soil. Cover the top with a special film and leave it near the window so that a minimum of sun rays fall on it. Watering is carried out using a spray bottle so as not to harm the root system.

Thinning

The sprouts will begin to thin out within 2 weeks after planting. Then you can get rid of the film and place the trays on the windowsill closer to sunlight. Also, an open window can negatively affect the development of seedlings, so drafts should be avoided.

Topping

After the seedlings reach 5 cm, it is necessary to carefully pinch off the weakest specimens, leaving one bore per cell. You should not pull them out, as there is a possibility of harming more developed shoots.

How to plant in open ground

When the sprout is fully formed and ready for transplanting, it must be moved to open ground. This is a rather painstaking process that has its own nuances, which you should carefully read.

Deadlines

Plant seedlings precisely at the time when the threat of frost has passed. The most optimal time for this is considered to be the end of May, when the nights will be warmer.

Selecting a location

Chamomile takes root well in neutral soils; increased or decreased acidity can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant. Wetlands are the main enemy of chamomile.

Soil preparation

For the full development of garden chamomile, before planting, enrich the soil by applying mineral fertilizers.

Planting scheme

Planting seedlings in open ground has its own characteristics, which determine the durability of the plant as a whole, as well as the quantity and quality of buds in the future:

1. Loosen the soil a little.
2. Prepare small holes, calculating the size for the root system of the seedlings, at a distance of 35 cm.
3. Place 2-3 bushes in each hole.
4. Cover the root system with soil substrate and strengthen it in the soil.

When replanting, you should pay special attention to the root system, since it is thin, delicate at this moment and can easily be damaged.

Watering and loosening

Perform watering and loosening immediately after planting and repeat the procedure as necessary during the period of chamomile growth and development.

Care

In order for the plant to grow normally and attract attention with its bright and healthy appearance, you need to perform a number of care measures.

Weeding

Abundant weeds can negatively affect the growth and development of garden chamomile, so weed and loosen regularly. The root system needs not only fertile soil, but also that the root system receives enough air.

Watering

It is important for the crop to receive the required amount of water daily, so the soil should be checked regularly for moisture. Watering should be done in a timely manner, using a large volume of water.

Loosening

Immediately after each watering, the soil should be loosened so that the water does not stagnate on the surface, but penetrates deep and is absorbed by the lower tier of the root system. This process will help not only speed up the growth of garden chamomile, but also help it avoid a number of diseases associated with excess moisture.

Top dressing

Mature plants need fertile soil no less than growing ones. For fertilizing, urea should be used in a proportion of 20 g of the substance per 1 square meter. After applying the fertilizer, water thoroughly. If the leaf blade begins to turn pale and dry out, it is worthwhile to carry out additional feeding.

Alternate minerals with manure to eliminate the possibility of soil acidification, which has a negative effect on plant development.

After flowering

As the chamomile fades, fertilize the exhausted soil with mineral complexes and organic matter and begin to prepare the bushes for winter.

Preparing for winter

Garden chamomile does not tolerate low temperatures well, so it should be carefully prepared for cold weather. To do this, cut off all ground stems and cover the plant. Use sawdust, dry leaves or non-woven material as a covering.

Reproduction

The plant propagates by dividing the bush or collecting seeds.

Collection and storage of seeds

When the flower on the stem dries, seeds form in the core. They fall out when pressed and have a brown tint. They must be removed from those inflorescences that, compared to the rest, seemed stronger and healthier. Then spread it on a napkin and let it dry a little. Next, place them in a bag and store them in a dark and dry place.

It is important to collect and properly dry the seeds in time to achieve high germination.

Dividing the bush

Garden chamomile also reproduces by dividing the bush. 2-3 years after planting, the bush grows, and a void forms in the middle as the central trunk dies. In the spring, dig up such a bush and divide it into several parts.

Next, make small holes 20 cm deep, maintaining a distance of 40 cm from one another. Place a part of the bush into the hole, cover the root system with soil and water thoroughly.

Diseases and pests

Like all ornamental plants, garden chamomile is weak to certain diseases and pests. When cultivating it, you can encounter some of them, so it’s worth arming yourself in advance with information about common diseases and promptly taking the necessary measures.

Powdery mildew

A coating similar to white powder forms on the leaves.

Gray rot

Symptoms of the disease are brown spots on shoots and leaves, which quickly increase in size and become covered with fluffy gray mycelium.

Rust

Forms uneven spots of a reddish hue on the leaves and stem.

Fusarium

The plant dries out and turns brown.

The fight against diseases and pests involves not only the implementation of chemical and biological measures, but also properly organized care.

How to transplant to a new location

For a high-quality transplant, dig up a bush with a lump of earth so as not to damage the root system, move it to a hole prepared in advance, water and mulch.

Combination with other plants

Garden chamomile forms beautiful compositions in combination with plants such as calendula, cornflower, pyrethrum, and poppy. Low-growing varieties will look impressive along the edges of lawns and paths.

Answers on questions

How often should I replant the plant?

It is recommended to transplant bushes to a new location once every 3-4 years. Carry out the procedure in the spring.

How to prune a bush?

After the plant has flowered, trim all the stems to 10-15 cm from the ground. This will strengthen the rhizome and stimulate the formation of new shoots. Garden chamomile will decorate any home area, garden, or flower bed with delicate flowers. And cut flowers will last in a bouquet for a long time, without losing their freshness and maintaining their attractiveness.

Reviews

Marina: “Since childhood, I watched my mother plant daisies. Now I’m seating myself with my daughter.”

Katerina: “I’ve been growing garden daisies in my garden for a long time now. They please the eyes of passers-by; neighbors often compliment my exquisite flowers.”