Painted Daisy Seeds Chrysanthemum carinatum
This annual flower hails from the North African coasts and features a striking tricolor ring pattern. This vibrant wildflower flourishes during summer and fall, reseeding itself for the following year's blooms.
Thanks to their eye-catching multicolored rings, these daisies have gained immense popularity. They originally sprouted in 15th century China as an herb, with Europeans starting to cultivate them in the 17th century. This specific tricolor daisy variety originates from the northern African coasts, previously known as the Barbary Coast. The poet Chaucer was the first to refer to this flower family as "day's eye," due to their tendency to open in the morning and close at night. A popular saying from that time was, "When you can put your foot on seven daisies, summer is come." In the floral language, daisies represent innocence, simplicity, and modesty.
Common Names: Tri-Color Chrysanthemum, Chop-Suey Greens, Shungiku
Latin Name: Chrysanthemum carinatum
Species Origin: Northern Africa
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 12,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Mixed, White, Red, Yellow, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: Once the last frost of spring has passed, you can directly sow Chrysanthemum Carinatum seeds right on the soil's surface and give them a gentle press for good contact. If you prefer to start them indoors, do so 6-8 weeks before the last frost by sowing in a flat and lightly pressing into some moistened soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature around 70 degrees F until they germinate, which should happen in about 14-20 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and there's no frost risk, you can transplant them outside.
Growing: These plants are pretty adaptable to various soil types, but they thrive in well-drained, evenly moist soil. Make sure to water the seedlings regularly until they're established; mature plants enjoy occasional watering too, especially during their blooming period. To encourage bushy growth, pinch back the tips of the developing plants. For a longer blooming season, be sure to remove any spent flowers. To help them survive winter, it's crucial that these plants stay in well-draining soil.
Harvesting: Daisies are great for fresh flower arrangements; just cut the stems long and put them in water right away.
Seed Saving: Towards the end of the season, let the blossoms fully mature; when the centers turn brown, cut them off and lay them out to dry in a spot away from direct sunlight. After about two weeks, or once the heads are completely dry, gently rub them to separate the seeds from the husks. Store your painted daisy seeds in a cool, dry place.
