[GPI]

Daisy - Bellis perennis - Noínín
by GPI

Thrives in
Most soils, but especially compacted moist soil.
Closely mown lawns

Flowering season(s)
February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

Appearance
Height approx 5 to 15 cm
Spoon-shaped green leaves with slightly soft toothed leaf edges.
The leaves grow in a flattened rosette or tuft.
Flowers are an outer ray of white petals (sometimes tinted pink) with a bright yellow centre.
The flower petals close at night.
The smooth flower stalks are usually longer than the leaves; and support a single flower per stem.

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Daisy close-up and their effect on a lawn, photo / picture / image.

Trouble?
Can quickly take over a closely mown lawn if left to spread.
Spreads by seed.
The daisy is a overwintering perennial, what is here this year will be here next year +1.

Organic or cultural control.
Improve current soil drainage and relieve compaction through spiking, aerating, and sanding.
Ensure your lawn is well fertilised as this promotes strong grass making it difficult for daisies to become established.
Avoid mowing your lawn to closely, simply raise the height of your cut.
If you have just one or two daisies in your lawn they can be dug out with the tip of garden trowel or a small spoon.

Other Control.
To check growth apply Sulphate of iron/lawn sand.
To check growth apply a 3 in 1 lawn feed/weed/mosskiller.
To kill apply selective herbicides containing the active ingredient 2,4-D. This is available in the Bayer Advanced lawn Weedkiller and for spot treatment in the product Doff Lawn Spot Weeder.
Spot treatment can also be carried out using a Glyphosate wax stick.

Notes on selective lawn weedkillers.
Applying a lawn fertilser to your grass approx two weeks before applying selective lawn weedkillers will improve results. Weedkiller application is most effective while the weed is actively growing, between the leafing to flower stage of growth. For best results, apply selective weedkiller to the lawn on a day forecast to be dry. Apply on a calm morning (no drift) once the dew has dried.

With most lawn weedkillers expect to apply two or three applications at 6 week spacings to rid your lawn of the weeds and the regrowths from their seeds. Always read carefully the instructions supplied with the weedkiller, and follow them to the letter especially regarding protective equipment and the care of children and pets.

Nature notes.
Please note that Irishgardeners.com does not advocate the removal of plants, instead, this forum encourages planting and preservation. However, there are occasions where a plant becomes a problem or a weed within the garden for certain people.
Be aware that the daisy is beneficial to lots of insects, providing early pollen and nectar for these seekers. Please at least think about this before you remove the plant from your site.

Any queries or comments on Daisy control, please post below.
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