Wild Daisy [Bellis perennis]

The perennial daisy is an edible, wild meadow, tea and medicinal plant. Versatile, robust, and has an important ecological function. It is a pain-relieving agent for wound treatment and an expectorant for coughs. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The daisy is a wild, perennial and edible herb, meadow, tea and medicinal plant. This robust species originally grows wild in Europe and the Middle East. Tradition has it that the daisy takes its name from the Middle Ages. This easy-care medicinal plant is versatile and can be used as ground cover or in flower meadows, where it fulfills an important ecological function. The fresh, crushed leaves and flowers are used as a healing tea and for external wound treatment, as a pain reliever for bruises and sprains. In naturopathy, the herb is also used as an expectorant for coughs. The flowers have a mildly sweet flavor, while the leaves are somewhat bitter and are a popular garnish in salads. Daisies thrive even in areas where other plants often struggle, attracting numerous bees, bumblebees, and other insects. Wild-seeded seeds are rarely available because harvesting and processing the seeds is labor-intensive.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 20 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x10 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from February to May and in the fall from October to November. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is recommended from March to October. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Daisy prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. It also thrives on dry and all other clay soils. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
This wild daisy species is perennial, but is usually only cultivated as a biennial because flowering declines sharply after the second year. After the flowers form, the herb blooms continuously, and only frost stops the formation of new flowers. The plants love full sun but can also thrive in partial shade. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose soil is sufficient. No maintenance or fertilization is necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Bellis perennis
English names: Daisy
German names: Gänseblümchen, Maßliebchen, Tausendschön, Monatsröserl, Margritli
Portuguese names: Margarida 
Spanish names: Margarita
French names: Marguerite, Pâquerette

 Origin 
Country: Germany