Berlandiera Chocolate Daisy

Delightful, daisy-like flowers with a rich cocoa scent, perfect for containers or sunny borders. Flowers close during the middle of the day, releasing their fragrance in the morning and evening, while dried seed heads add ornamental interest even after flowering.

Sow: January to April
Flowering: May to August

Sowing
Level fill a tray with seed compost, firming with the base of another tray. Water well with a fine rose. Scatter seeds thinly over the surface and lightly cover with a little more compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 15–20 °C or cover tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Germination may take several weeks.

Growing On
When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep seedlings in a light position but shaded from direct sunlight. Keep moist but not wet. When plants are 5 cm tall, transplant into 8 cm pots of potting compost. Grow steadily at a minimum temperature of 10 °C.

Planting Out
Gradually acclimatize plants to outdoor conditions over 2–3 weeks before planting out when the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny position in well-drained soil, or plant in good-quality compost in large patio pots. Water well until established and during hot, dry spells.

Aftercare / Advice
Although a perennial, Berlandiera dislikes wet winters. Planting in raised beds or well-drained containers moved into shelter will improve survival over winter.