Duchess Marguerite Seeds in a mix

Sow the Duchess Daisy from March to April in a seed tray. Use good quality compost. Gently firm the surface of the seed tray before sowing your seeds broadcast. Do not cover the seeds but water generously with a fine spray. Place your seed tray in a well-lit area, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 20°C to 30°C. Lower the temperature at night to 15°C to create a beneficial alternation for germination.

Seed germination will take 7 to 21 days. As soon as the plants are manageable, transplant them into 7cm (2.8 in) pots. Then, 15 days before their final planting, start gradually acclimatizing them to a temperature of 15°C.

By mid-May, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to plant your young plants. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Add a good handful of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 30cm (11.8 in) apart.

Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain beauty and promote renewal.

Fusarium wilt and powdery mildew are common diseases encountered in the Duchess Daisy. To minimize their occurrence, avoid watering the foliage and plant Callistephus chinensis in well-drained soil. Avoid growing the Duchess Daisy in the same location every year. Renew your seeds rather than collecting those from the flowers in your garden.

Monitor for the presence of aphids.