From our perspective, our roots are our entire world. Please choose a container that feels like a spacious, secure home. A pot that is at least 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in diameter and depth is ideal. This gives our root system ample room to spread out and anchor us firmly, preventing us from becoming top-heavy and unstable when we are in full bloom. Most critically, the container must have excellent drainage holes. We despise having "wet feet"; sitting in waterlogged soil will quickly lead to root rot, which is a death sentence for us. Place us on your sunniest patio or balcony. We are sun-worshippers and require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, glorious sunlight daily to fuel our flowering and keep our growth compact and strong.
The medium you plant us in is our source of sustenance and stability. Do not use heavy garden soil, which will compact in the container and suffocate our roots. We thrive in a light, well-draining potting mix. A commercial potting soil designed for containers is perfect, but for an extra boost, consider mixing in some perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage even further. When you introduce us to our new home, plant us at the same depth we were growing in our nursery pot. Firm the soil gently around our base to eliminate large air pockets, and then give us a thorough, welcoming drink of water to help us settle in.
Our watering needs are a delicate balance. We prefer to dry out slightly between drinks. Before watering, check the top 2-3 cm of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it is time for a deep, thorough watering until you see water escaping freely from the drainage holes. Then, please allow us to drain completely. During the intense heat of summer, you may need to check on us daily. To support our prolific blooming, we require regular nourishment. Feed us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during our active growing season. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time can provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Our primary goal is to produce an abundance of beautiful daisy-like flowers to attract pollinators. You can help us achieve this by regularly deadheading. This means pinching or snipping off the spent flowers once they begin to fade. This simple act signals to us that we should redirect our energy away from producing seeds and into creating even more glorious blooms. It also keeps us looking tidy and encourages a bushier, more compact growth habit. While we are not excessively prone to pests, occasionally aphids might find our new growth tempting. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap is usually sufficient to deter them.
