Nippon Daisy: A Beginner's Guide to Growing in Florida
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Nippon daisies, also known as Montauk daisies or Nipponanthemum nipponicum. It is a type of plant that can be grown in Florida. They may not seem unique, but they can add a touch of elegance to your garden.
This article contains helpful information on the healthy growth of this plant in Florida. You can learn how to plant, care for, and deal with pests.
1. Introduction
Montauk daisies is a perennial plant native to the coastal regions of Japan. Its stem is slender, and the edges of the dark green leaves are jagged. It can grow to about 14-18 inches tall.
The flower head is usually 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. Each flowerhead consists of a yellow or green center disk and white petals. It blooms in summer and fall but continues to flower into winter in warm central and southern Florida.
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2. Care
Botanical Name | Nipponanthemum nipponicum |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Mature Size | 15-32 in. tall and wide |
Sun Exposure | Full |
Soil Type | Well-drained |
Soil pH | Acidic |
Bloom Time | Summer, fall |
Flower Color | White |
Hardiness Zones | 5-9 USDA zones |
- Light
Montauk daisies can only thrive in plenty of sunlight. I plant them in a place with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants can tolerate light shade in hot climates, but if you want more flowers, make sure they get full sun.
- Soil
Although Montauk daisies can grow in sandy soil, I still grow them in well-drained acidic (pH5.5-6.5) soil. Well-drained soil can avoid root rot. If the soil where you grow Montauk daisies is clay, you can use sand or compost to improve the soil.
- Water
I will water Montauk daisies regularly in the first month after planting. I have a little way to check whether I should water them. I will insert my index finger entirely into the soil; if the soil is dry, I should water the plant.
Once these daisy plants enter the stable growth stage, they have drought tolerance. Especially during the rainy season in Florida, I hardly water them.
- Fertilizer
I will only apply 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizers to Montauk daisies every six months. On the contrary, too much fertilizer will make the stem leggy grow and reduce flowering.
- Pruning and Propagation
The pruning method used for Montauk daisies is easy.
If the plants are smaller, I will trim off one-third of the stem in early spring, leaving the remaining buds.
If the plant grows too large, I will hard prune it in early spring to encourage bushy growth and prevent overgrowth. Generally, I only retain the buds at the bottom of the stem.
Montauk daisies have strong vitality and grow fast. If new buds are on the cut old stems, I will insert these stems into a bottle with water. It takes only 4-5 weeks for these stems to grow new roots.
I also reproduce by dividing roots:
- Before dividing the roots, I will water to soften the soil and daisy plant roots.
- Dig up the plant gently and avoid damaging the plant's root system.
- I slowly comb the roots with my hands and separate them.
- Plant these separated daisies plants in the backyard (planting distance of each plant at 4 feet) or in a pot.
3. Prolong the Blooming Period
Summer and fall are the seasons when Montauk daisies bloom. Then, how can flowers bloom longer and more?
- Let these plants get enough sunlight (At least 6 hours full sun).
- I only use 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizers and avoid using other nitrogen fertilizers. Too much nitrogen can cause plants to grow too many leaves, not flowers. I will use potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar spray in the spring.
- I will remove spent flower heads during the summer.
4. Disease and Pest Management
Montauk daisies are resistant to most diseases and pests. But there are occasional diseases or pests.
Sometimes, Montauk daisies may infect powdery mildew, stem rot, and leaf spot. Poor air circulation is the leading cause of these diseases. If these diseases occur, we should increase air circulation around plants and use fungicides.
In spring, we should regularly check for aphids. If there is, we use neem oil to control.
5. Common Problem
If you find that the leaves on the lower part of the Montauk daisies stem turn yellow and wither in winter. Please don't worry. This means that plants are ready for winter and prepare to go into dormancy.
We only need to cut off the withered leaves. At this stage, do not fertilize the plants or break out the natural growth law of plants.
If you like my article, please forward it to your friends. If you have any good ideas and suggestions, you are welcome to leave me a message. I wish you every success on your gardening trip.
Bibliography:
- Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Franch. ex Maxim.) Kitam, https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=NINI
- Nipponanthemum nipponicum, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nipponanthemum-nipponicum/
My name is Arthur Mo. I am a gardener who loves gardening so much. I graduated from Ocean University of China. After I returned to Japan, I began to learn how to cultivate hydrangeas and daisies. Mr. Mitsuhiro (my master) taught me to sow, cut, fertilize, and manage diseases and pests. For nine years, I have been sharpening my planting skills. In 2022, my family and I moved to Florida. The warm climate of Florida gives me the impulse to continue cultivating hydrangeas and daisies. I began my gardening trip in my backyard and unswervingly contributed my efforts to these plants. I love these plants deeply, and at the same time, I also thank my family, my master, and friends for their understanding and support.