How to grow swan river daisy

The Swan River daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia) , is an annual herb found in Western Australia. Swan river daisies come in a variety of shades of lavender, blue, violet, yellow, and white but it’s the varieties with the striking blue daisy-like flowers that really catch our attention, especially when you see a field of them together.

If you have ever wondered how to grow Swan River daisy in Perth, Western Australia then look no further. A relatively plant to grow there are a few tricks to successfully growing Swan River daisy in Perth, but get these right and you will be laughing.

When to plant swan river daisy in Perth:
The best time to plant Swan River daisies is  in spring just after the last of the frost has past and keep them deadheaded throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowers all season long.

When do swan river daisies flower?
The Swan River daisy flowers over a relatively long period for an annual from late winter through to late spring.

Types of swan river daisy in Western Australia:
There are a number of varieties of Swan River daisies available but a couple of the more common varieties are Blue Zephyr and Summer Skies. You can easily find swan river daisy in Bunnings here in WA.

• Blue Zephyr Swan River Daisy – Blue daisies with a pleasant scent on airy foliage make these a favourite option for hanging baskets and containers.
• Summer Skies Swan River Daisy – Charming, sweet-scented flowers that give a superb display in beds, baskets, pots or window-boxes throughout summer. Native to many parts of Australia and an excellent bee and pollinator attracting flower. A half hardy annual, flowering the same year, preferring a sunny position.

How to grow swan river daisy:
Swan River daisies are very easy to grow.

1. Sow direct in a full sun area of the garden where they are to grow or into trays with seed raising mix.
2. Cover very lightly, firm down and keep moist until germination occurs.
3. If grown in a seed raising tray transplant when about 3-4cm high.

Growing Swan River daisy in pots:
Growing Swan River daisies in pots is a great idea.

1. Fill pots or trays with seed raising mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out.
2. While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden for your pot.
3. Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with a liquid plant food.  Allow seedlings to grow to about 7cm if transplanting.
4. When transplanting them fill the pot with high quality potting mix with dynamic lifter and place the plants carefully into the pot. Space seedlings at least 20 apart. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as straw and water in well.
5. Feed weekly with liquid plant food to ensure strong root development and mass flowering.

How often should I water swan river daisy?
Water 1 – 2 times each week in dry weather. Less watering is required during the cooler months.

Best fertiliser for Swan River daisies:
Using the right fertiliser for Swan River daisies can directly improve your plant health.
Now the question; what is the best fertiliser for Swan River daisies?

You’ll want to feed your daisies weekly with a fertilizer containing 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, and 5 percent potassium to aid blooming. You will be able to find readily at your local nursery or Bunnings.

My personal pick for the best is Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food, it provides the balanced nutrition they need to produce lovely flowers.

When to fertilise Swan River daisies?
Feed weekly with a Liquid Plant Food to ensure strong root development and mass flowering.

Swan river daisies care and common problems:
Plant in full sun. Swan river daisies are susceptible to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease, but full sun helps to keep the plants dry and healthy.

Check out our other how to grow in Perth guides:

• Growing Bearded iris in Perth
• Growing Grevillea’s in Perth
• Growing birds nest ferns in Perth