Crop Culture Report: Leucanthemum hyb. Darling Daisy™

Recommended Containers: 4 or 4 1/2” pots, combination planters

Consumer Uses: Darling Daisy™ are continuous blooming tender perennial (day neutral). Darlings create a great landscape plant. Stays compact in mixed containers and in the garden.

Crop Planning from cell pack:
Pot Size Plants per pot (pp) Finish Time (weeks)
4 or 4 ½” pot (10 to 12 cm) 1 9 to 10 (spring)

Media requirements: Use a well-drained soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Water well and allow soil to dry between irrigation. Avoid over watering especially during cool, cloudy weather.

Fertilizer requirements: 100 to 200 ppm N and alternate with clear water. Darling Daisy is sensitive to high salt levels.

pH requirements: 6.0 to 6.5

Temperature:
Day – 68° to 72°F (20° to 22°C)
Night – 60° to 65°F (15° to 18°C)
Cooler nights once established enhances finished quality

Light Level: High Light, Blooms under short days conditions in the greenhouse environment

Pinching requirements: If a dominant shoot develops, pinching is recommended.

Plant Growth Regulators: none

Disease and insect pests:
Thrip and Aphids–Avid foliar applications to control Thrip will burn foliage, turning the plants to black, looking like cold damage. It is best to use WP pesticides on Leucanthemum.

Pythium, Phytophthora
Roots of Leucanthemum are very sensitive to excessive drying, too wet or high salinity soils. Keep moisture at consistent level and do not over feed. Clear-water irrigation may be required now and then to reduce salt levels.