Dahlberg Daisy Information
Also called golden fleece or golden dogwood, dahlberg daisies (Dyssodia tenuiloba syn. Thymophylla tenuiloba) are small but mighty. These annuals have a plethora of small, ½ inch (1 cm.) wide golden flowers. Plants have a bit of a trailing habit and are low growing, getting to around 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) in height, and their feathery foliage has a pleasant citrusy aroma when crushed or bruised. There are many suitable areas for growing dahlberg daisies. They can be grown as massed groundcover for low borders and even in planters or hanging baskets. A native of south-central Texas and northern Mexico, dahlberg daisies are exceptionally tolerant of dry conditions and, in fact, dislike high rainfall and humid conditions. Dahlberg daisies can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 11 and zones 9b to 11 can begin growing dahlberg daisies in the fall for winter or spring flowers.
How to Care for Dahlberg Daisy Plants
Plant dahlberg daisies in well-draining, sandy soil with a pH of 6.8 or higher in full sun. Nurseries do not usually sell the plants, so plan to start them from seed. Be aware that it takes about four months from germination to bloom time, so plan accordingly. Start the seed indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost in your area or outside after all danger of frost has passed. Keep the seeds moist until germination occurs. Transplant the dahlberg daisy plants outdoors once frost season is over. Thereafter, caring for dahlberg daisies is easy-peasy. The plant requires no pruning and is generally disease and pest resistant. Caring for dahlberg daisies requires no more than watering once in a while, and that should be minimal. These daisies do just fine unattended and will provide you with masses of color for months and, in most areas, for years to come, as they readily self-seed.
