Brachyscome

These flowers may be tiny but they promise a massive presence. Surdaisy brachyscome produces hundreds of flowers for continuous color from March through October. These durable plants withstand cold, rain and sun. Four colors are available: Mauve, Pink, White and Yellow.

Surdaisy varieties have a compact, mounding habit reaching a height of 4 to 8 inches and a spread of 6 to 12 inches. They may be used as bedding plants, and in patio containers, combinations and hanging baskets.

Use a well-drained peat/perlite mix with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Maintain moderately moist soil. Give a constant feed at 100 to 200 ppm with a complete water-soluble fertilizer.

Surdaisy prefers high to moderate light levels. Maintain temperature at 65 to 75° F days and 55 to 60° F nights.

One liner in a 4-inch pot will be ready in four to six weeks, one to two liners in a 6-inch pot will be ready in six to eight weeks and four to five liners in a 10-inch basket will be ready in eight to ten weeks.

For disease control, a broad-spectrum fungicidal drench is recommended after planting. Pests to watch for are whitefly, aphids and mites.