The cheerful, daisy-shaped blooms of Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) and other daisy-like perennials brighten the garden from spring to early fall. Their carefree nature and ease of care make them popular choices for beginning and experienced gardeners. However, daisies also have a tendency to spread aggressively, crowding out other plants and taking over the garden. If you want to keep your daisies under control and prevent them from becoming a nuisance, it’s important to cut them back regularly.
The best time to cut back daisies is after they have finished blooming. This will help to prevent them from setting seed and spreading. To cut back daisies, simply use sharp shears or a lawn mower to trim the plants back to a height of about 6 inches. You can also deadhead the plants by removing the spent flowers. This will encourage the plants to produce more blooms.
In addition to cutting back daisies after they have finished blooming, you may also want to cut them back in the fall. This will help to remove any dead or diseased foliage and prepare the plants for winter. To cut back daisies in the fall, simply trim the plants back to a height of about 3 inches. You can also remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. Cutting back daisies in the fall will help to keep them healthy and vigorous the following spring.
Trimming with Shears
For a more precise and controlled cut, you can use shears to trim back daisies. Here are the steps on how to do it:
1. Sanitize the Shears
Before you start trimming, make sure to sanitize the shears with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution. This will help prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Choose the Right Shears
Use sharp, clean shears that are designed for cutting flowers. Avoid using dull or rusty shears as they will crush the stems and damage the plants.
3. Identify and Cut Back Spent Blooms
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a. Locate Spent Blooms | Look for daisies that have brown, withered, or dead blooms. These blooms are no longer attractive and should be removed. |
| b. Make a Clean Cut | Using the shears, make a clean cut at the base of the flower stem, just above the rosette of leaves. |
| c. Remove Dead Foliage | Check the base of the plant for any dead or yellowing foliage. Trim back these leaves to promote healthy growth. |
Mowing to Preferred Height
Mowing is an effective way to cut back daisies, especially in larger areas or where uniformity is desired. Here’s how to do it:
Setting the Mower Height
Determine the desired height for your daisies. Shorter heights will promote denser growth, while taller heights will produce fewer flowers.
Adjust the mower deck to the appropriate height. For most daisies, a height of 1-2 inches is recommended. However, some larger varieties may require a taller height.
Mowing Technique
Mow in straight rows, slightly overlapping each pass to prevent missed spots.
Avoid mowing when daisies are wet, as this can cause tearing.
Mow regularly throughout the season, especially after flowering. This will remove spent blooms and promote new growth.
Mowing and Deadheading
Mowing alone may not be sufficient to remove all dead or spent daisy flowers. In these cases, it may be necessary to deadhead the plants manually. This involves removing the individual flowers from the stem after they have faded.
To deadhead daisies, simply grasp the flower head and lightly pull it away from the stem. Avoid cutting or tearing the stem.
Deadheading encourages continued blooming and prevents the plants from producing seed, which can lead to unwanted spread.
Special Considerations
Avoid mowing daisies too short, as this can damage the plants and promote weed growth.
If daisies are overgrown or have produced a lot of seed, it may be necessary to mow them lower or remove them entirely and replant.
How to Cut Back Daisies
Cutting back daisies is a simple task that can help keep your garden looking neat and tidy. It can also help promote new growth and flowering. Here are the steps on how to cut back daisies:
- Wait until the daisies have finished blooming. Cutting them back before they have finished blooming will prevent them from producing seeds.
- Use sharp shears or a pruning knife to cut the daisies back to the ground. Be sure to cut them at a slight angle to promote new growth.
- Remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems.
- Water the daisies deeply after cutting them back.
You can cut back daisies several times throughout the growing season. This will help keep them blooming and looking their best.
People Also Ask
How often should I cut back daisies?
You can cut back daisies several times throughout the growing season, as needed. This will help keep them blooming and looking their best.
What is the best time to cut back daisies?
The best time to cut back daisies is after they have finished blooming. Cutting them back before they have finished blooming will prevent them from producing seeds.
Can I cut back daisies in the fall?
Yes, you can cut back daisies in the fall. This will help them to overwinter better. Be sure to cut them back to the ground and remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems.
