Butter Daisy

30 seeds

How to Seed Butter Daisy (Melampodium paludosum)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 18–28°C (64–82°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for early planting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing in extreme summer (May to September), as high temperatures can hinder germination.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist, well-drained soil.
   Lightly cover with a thin layer of soil and mist gently with water.

3. Soil:
   Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

   • Requires full sun for strong growth and abundant blooms.

   • In the Gulf, full morning sun with light afternoon shade gives best results.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings reach 6–8 cm tall, transplant them outdoors.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for healthy air circulation and full coverage.

   • Handle gently to avoid damaging delicate roots.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers bright full sun, especially in winter and early spring.

   • Watering: Water moderately — keep soil slightly moist but never soggy. Once established, Butter Daisy tolerates short dry periods.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to maintain continuous flowering.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms (deadhead) to encourage new flowers and bushy growth.

   • The Butter Daisy produces bright yellow-gold flowers with lush green foliage, making it perfect for borders, containers, and landscape edges.

   • Blooms continuously from late winter through summer in the Gulf region.