Blue Eyed Daisy is a South African native that's quietly revolutionizing the cut flower game. Also known as African Pearl Daisy, this vigorous grower produces long, elegant stems topped with pure white flowers that feature the most striking shimmery blue centers, creating an almost jeweled appearance. Growing 24-36 inches tall and thriving in zones 9-11, it reaches flowering maturity in about 90 days, making it a rewarding addition to borders and vases alike. The silvery-grey foliage provides a soft, sophisticated backdrop that makes those blue eyes pop even more.
Full Sun
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9-11
36in H x ?in W
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High
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Those shimmery blue centers are the real showstopper here, contrasting dramatically against crisp white petals. The grey foliage adds an unexpected elegance that elevates any garden design, and the long stems make it a natural choice for cutting. As a dependable, vigorous performer that's just beginning to gain recognition beyond specialty growers, Blue Eyed Daisy offers something genuinely different in the cutting garden or border.
Blue Eyed Daisy excels as a cut flower, where its long stems and showy blooms make it a sophisticated choice for arrangements. It performs beautifully in garden borders, where the silvery foliage and striking flowers create striking color contrasts. Its vigorous growth habit and reliability make it increasingly popular among florists and home gardeners building cutting gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow on the soil surface or just barely pressing seeds into moist seed-starting mix, as they benefit from light for germination. Keep soil consistently moist and warm. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they reach a few inches in height and all danger of frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Move them to full sun locations in well-prepared garden soil once they're sturdy and a few inches tall. Space transplants 18 inches apart to allow room for mature growth.
Direct sow seeds in early spring by casting them across well-prepared soil. Agitate the soil gently to keep seeds in place and ensure good contact with the soil surface. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings establish. This method works best in regions where you can sow early enough for a full growing season before frost.
Cut flowers when the blooms are fully open, selecting stems with crisp, unwilted flowers and those shimmery blue centers at their most vivid. For the longest vase life, cut stems early in the morning when they're fully hydrated. Remove lower foliage before placing stems in water to keep the arrangement fresh longer.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. For cut flower production, harvest stems frequently, which naturally encourages the plant to produce more branches and longer stems. If plants become leggy or overgrown, light pruning to shape them will improve overall appearance without sacrificing bloom production.
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“Blue Eyed Daisy originates from South Africa, where it evolved in the bright, sunny climates of its native habitat. The variety has been preserved and distributed through seed catalogs, where it's gradually gaining recognition among cut flower growers and gardeners seeking less common but reliable performers. Its journey from a little-known South African native to a growing favorite among flower enthusiasts reflects the broader movement toward diversifying ornamental gardens beyond the typical suspects.”