Help with Montauk Daisy

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rngardener Schenectady, NY Jun 05, 2010

Hi,

I am new to gardening. I have two small spaces in my backyard that are established gardens that I've been working on for a year. I have two Montauk daisies, one planted last year and one just planted last month. The one from last year is getting tall and a little out of control looking, but I am nervous to trim it or do anything to it because it is so healthy. The new one is probably going to need to be moved since I didn't get it far enough into the ground (roots showing a little above ground) and its less than two inches from the side of the house. Any ideas for my two plants? Do I need to do anything or is it best to leave them alone? I'm in NY if that makes any difference.

Meghan

Post #7862009
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cyclops101 Wakefield, RI Jun 06, 2010

You should pinch the older plant back. Not knowing how tall the plant is at this time I would suggest taking off the top 2-3 sets of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out . Montauk Daisy is easy to root. If you remove a 3-4 inch tip remove the lower leaves and stick the stem into a mixture of 1/2 sand and 1/2 potting soil they will root in about 3 weeks. The plant closer to the house, unless you can dig the entire plant with minimal disturbance to the roots I would cover the bare roots with soil or mulch and wait until next spring. Summer is not an ideal time to be digging and relocating perennials

Post #7863019
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cyclops101 Wakefield, RI Jun 06, 2010

Just to clarify, When I suggested removing the top 2-3 leaves you should also remove a portion of the stem. I saw where you stated you were new to gardening. This procedure is called pinching. Simply grab the stem between your thumb and first finger and break the stem off. You can also use scissors, a knife or pruning shears to make this cut.

Post #7863024
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rngardener Schenectady, NY Jun 06, 2010

Thanks so much! I certainly have room to pinch the top couple of leaves by far. I am glad you mentioned that they are easy to root. My family gets these at our vacation spot Cape Ann, MA. I'd like to root some and see how they do. I won't move the one plant, just add some soil to the showing area. So far it looks like its doing good.

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