michaelmas daisy

For optimal health, your michaelmas daisy should be watered once or twice a week--aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. During times of extreme heat or drought, the plants can need additional water--up to 2 inches per week. During the winter, water needs will decrease, and the plants should only be watered every 2 to 3 weeks when soil is completely dry. It is important to not overwater michaelmas daisies, as they may suffer root rot if soil is kept too moist for too long. Water the plants at the base, rather than over the leaves.

Michaelmas daisies generally require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Since they are fairly low maintenance when it comes to sunlight exposure, they can tolerate some shade, but will perform best when grown in a bright, sunny location that is away from any other tall plants that could block their direct sunlight. Try to ensure that the plants are exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible, particularly in the morning as it will help to keep the plant blooming well. For best results, aim to have the plants in direct sunlight for 4 to 6 hours during the mid-morning and mid-afternoon, with breaks of 4 to 6 hours in between.

Michaelmas daisy should be pruned twice during the growing season. It should be pruned lightly when the plant is first established, removing any dead, diseased or damaged growth, and also thinning out the centre of the plant to allow for increased air circulation and better access to sunlight. The second pruning should take place in late summer, after the plant has finished flowering. Deadhead the flower heads to help promote further flowering later in the season, and cut back the stems by about a third to keep the plant compact and encourage bushier growth for the following year.