Livingstone Daisies (Mesembryanthemum criniflorum) are vibrant, low-growing annuals with colorful, daisy-like flowers. They are easy-to-grow plants. This article guides you through cultivating these flowers from seed.
Livingstone Daisy Characteristics
Livingstone Daisies are well-suited for various garden settings. These plants thrive in full sun, which is important for abundant flowering. Once established, they tolerate dry conditions, making them a good choice for xeriscaping or areas with less frequent watering.
They prefer well-draining soil, ideally a sandy or loamy mixture, and perform best in warmer climates. The plants exhibit a low, spreading growth habit, forming a dense mat of foliage that reaches about 6 to 8 inches in height. Their blooms showcase a wide spectrum of colors, including shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white, often with contrasting centers.
Planting Livingstone Daisy Seeds
Seed sowing can be done directly outdoors after the last frost or indoors several weeks prior. For outdoor sowing, wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed consistently in late spring. If starting indoors, sow seeds approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your region’s average last frost date.
Prepare the planting area by ensuring the soil is light, sandy, and well-draining. If planting in containers, select pots with adequate drainage holes and fill them with a seed-starting mix or a blend of peat, perlite, and sand. Livingstone Daisy seeds are tiny and require light for germination, so they should be surface-sown or covered very shallowly with a fine layer of soil, no more than 1/8 inch deep.
After scattering the seeds, gently press them into the soil surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the planted area or containers using a fine mist sprayer to avoid displacing the small seeds. Consistent moisture is important during this stage, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping-off disease. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination, which occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Caring for Your Livingstone Daisies
Once Livingstone Daisy seedlings have emerged and developed a few true leaves, provide proper care for their continued health and vigorous growth. If you started seeds indoors, thin the seedlings to provide adequate space. Thin them so the remaining plants are spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart, allowing for good air circulation and root expansion.
Before transplanting indoor-started seedlings outdoors, harden them off to acclimate them to external conditions. Gradually expose them to increasing periods of outdoor light and temperature over a week or two. Once transplanted, water established Livingstone Daisies moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
These plants thrive in full sun for prolific flowering throughout the growing season. Livingstone Daisies are not heavy feeders and require minimal fertilization, especially if planted in reasonably fertile soil. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers, extending the display. They are hardy and resistant to most common pests and diseases, with proper watering preventing issues like root rot.