Grow Dahlberg daisy from seed by pressing the seed onto moist mix and leaving it in the light. Start it indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, or sow it outside after frost.
Surface-sow the seed, and keep it in the light
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Press the seed onto moist mix and leave it uncovered | Do not bury the seed |
| Warmth | Keep the mix at about 70 to 75°F until it sprouts | Do not start it in a cold, dark cupboard |
| Timing | Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or outside after frost | Do not set tender seedlings out while frost is still likely |
| Time to sprout | About 7 to 14 days if the mix stays moist and bright | Do not let the surface dry out before the seedlings show |
Dahlberg daisy comes from fine seed that needs light to germinate. Moisten a well-drained seed mix, scatter the seed on the surface, and press it in so it makes contact. Do not cover it. [1] Keep the tray bright and warm, about 70 to 75°F, and mist so the surface stays moist. Seedlings usually show in one to two weeks. For earlier bloom, start indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Direct sowing after frost also works, but bloom comes later, often about four months from sowing. [2] See How to Grow Dahlberg Daisy for the grown plant. Harden seedlings for about a week in a sheltered spot before you set them out, and wait until frost has passed. [3] Do not collect seed from wild Texas stands; use a garden plant or a nursery packet.
- Fill a tray with moist, well-drained seed mix, and let extra water drain away.
- Scatter the seed on the surface and press it in. Leave it uncovered.
- Keep the tray bright and warm, about 70 to 75°F, and mist so the surface stays moist until seedlings show.
- Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or sow outside after frost. Harden indoor seedlings before you set them out.
How deep do I sow Dahlberg daisy seed?
Do not bury it. Press it onto moist mix and leave it in the light.
Do I start it indoors or sow outside?
Either works. Indoor start 6 to 8 weeks before frost gives earlier bloom. Direct sowing after frost is simpler and blooms later.
Collect the dry heads, or let them drop
Once the yellow heads fade, they dry into small brown achenes. If you want seed for next year, let those heads dry on the plant, then rub them into a paper envelope and keep the seed cool and dry until spring. If you want volunteers, leave the heads in place and let the seed drop onto open gravel. [4] Seedlings often appear the next warm season in the same dry edge. Pull extras where they crowd a path. Do not scrape seed from a wild roadside stand.
- Wait until the flower heads have browned and feel dry.
- Rub the heads over a sheet of paper and keep the seed cool and dry, or leave the heads on the plant if you want volunteers.
- Sow that saved seed the next spring the same way: on the surface, in the light.
- Thin or pull volunteer seedlings where you do not want another mound.
Will it self-sow?
Yes, in open gravel and dry edges. Leave the last heads if you want volunteers. Collect them if you want a packet for next spring instead.
If the seed never comes up, it was probably buried or the surface dried out. Next time press it onto moist mix and keep that tray bright and warm.
FAQ
Can I store Dahlberg daisy seed dry?
Yes. Let the heads dry fully, then keep the seed cool and dry until spring. Sow it on the surface; do not bury last year's seed either.
Why didn't the seed come up?
It was probably buried, or the surface dried out, or the tray stayed cold. Press it onto moist mix, keep it bright and warm, and wait one to two weeks before you give up.
Can I grow it from a stem cutting?
Seed is the usual way. Start it on the surface in the light, or collect dry heads from a garden plant. Do not count on a stem cutting for a bed's worth of plants.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Select Seeds -
https://www.selectseeds.com/products/dahlberg-daisy-seeds - [2] Missouri Botanical Garden -
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a612 - [3] Outsidepride -
https://www.outsidepride.com/resources/planting/dahlberg-planting/ - [4] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/thymophylla-tenuiloba/
This note is part of Thymophylla Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors