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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Tiny Clanger on January 21, 2025, 16:52:11

Title: Michaelmas Daisies
Post by: Tiny Clanger on January 21, 2025, 16:52:11
These did really well last year. They were odd bits I'd scavenged from a compost heap. I know nothing about the care of Asters. I believe one cuts them back in spring. How much to cut back? Half way? These Asters are about 2 feet (60 cm) tall. xxx  :wave:
Title: Re: Michaelmas Daisies
Post by: JanG on January 22, 2025, 07:11:41
In my experience Michaelmas daisies are fairly indestructible. I'd cut them down to two or three inches. 

Are they definitely Michaelmas daisies? There are also Shasta daisies which are similar but larger leaved and larger flowered.
Title: Re: Michaelmas Daisies
Post by: Tiny Clanger on January 22, 2025, 10:05:15
90% sure they're Michaelmas Daisies. Flowers are about 1.25 inches across. Medium blue colour. Looked identical to plants being sold in Dobbies as "Asters. Should I wait till March time before cutting back?
Title: Re: Michaelmas Daisies
Post by: JanG on January 22, 2025, 11:13:26
Yes, I was mixing up Michaelmas daisies with Ox-eye daisies. Apologies. Half awake!

Michaelmas daisies perhaps best not to be quite so severe with, but I've lost them in the past by trying to grow them in a bed that was too dry I think. But I'm certainly not in a position to offer reliable advice!
Title: Re: Michaelmas Daisies
Post by: Tiny Clanger on January 23, 2025, 11:27:03
I'll just trim them back about halfway - leave it till march  :sunny: .  Hopefully that should be OK. They shouldnt dry out tooo badly, they're in a patch at the bottom of the garden that is reasonable.  Thanks very much for the helpx