The Melampodium plant also known as
butter daisy, blackfoot is a genus of flowers whose sunny yellow flowers bring
a smile to the most confirmed curmudgeon’s face. The plant is actually known
for its constant display of beautiful yellow flowers. Actually the genus
supports over forty varieties of North American and Mexican annuals and
perennials. The most common once are 2, which are Butter daisy and Blackfoot,
which form bushy plants. Many other specimens in the genus also have
honey-scented flowers lasting from spring until the first cold temperatures of
winter. The plant begins blooming in late May. The Melampodium plants are easy
to grow and can survive a variety of conditions and locations, including
both pots as
well as in the ground.
Below is the basic information
about Melampodium plants;
The botanical name: The
botanical name is Melampodium.
The common name: The common names
are Butter daisy, Black foot.
The plant type: Annual.
The mature size: six to twelve
inches tall, eight to twelve inches wide.
The sun exposure: Full sun
The soil type: Sandy, rocky
The soil pH: 6-8
The blooming time: The blooming time
is Spring, Summer, Fall.
The flower color: The flower colors
are white, yellow.
Plant hardiness zones: USDA 9-11
The native area: Melampodium is
native to Mexico, Brazil, and Southwestern US
How To Grow Melampodium Plant
Light requirement: Actually, this
plant will grow best when it is exposed to full sunlight. Full sunlight will
encourage optimal flower growth and also help the plant to be intact. Many varieties
of this plant tend to flop over as they mature, but planting them in full sun
will help to prevent that from happening.
Soil requirement: Melampodium plant
is actually native to areas with rocky soil, the plant requires a well-drained
soil to truly thrive, and the plant is also tolerant of nutritionally poor
soils.
Water requirement: Melampodium plant
is a drought-resistant and heat-tolerant plant, the plant will grow best with
regular watering. Make sure you allow the soil to dry out slightly in between
waterings.
Temperature and humidity
requirement: The Melampodium plants are truly warm-weather plants that can
survive an array of heat-related conditions. Once the plants are established,
they are drought tolerant. Despite the plant toughness, the plant is
susceptible to growing powdery mildew when planted in certain humid areas.
However, proper sunlight can help prevent this problem, but if you do see
mildew growing you can easily prune the infected areas to prevent spreading.
Fertilizer requirement: If you
actually want to keep your melampodium plant blooming all season long you can
consider adding a slow release fertilizer or a general purpose liquid
fertilizer to your soil.
Potting and Repotting of Plants
Melampodium Propagation: You can
easily sow your melampodium plant seeds indoors about 7 to 10 weeks prior to
moving the plant outdoors, and after that little to no maintenance is needed on
the plant. When the seeds are planted outdoors in warmer locations, the
melampodium plant will self-seed so its flowers will come back year after year
on their own.
Pruning: When potting melampodium
plant, the seeds are best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of about
sixty-eight and eighty-six degrees. Aim to sow at a depth of four times the
diameter of the melampodium plant seeds. Be sure to allow approximately ten to
fifteen days for the melampodium plant seeds to germinate.
Melampodium flowers are considered
self-cleaning, so deadheading is not actually required to eliminate spent
blooms, and they are also self-branching, so pinching is not needed.
Growing Melampodium in Containers:
Melampodium plants actually likes dry conditions, the plant makes a
fantastic container plant. Just make sure you transplant them into a
light, well-drained soil and be cautious of overwatering.
Melampodium Plant Varieties
1. Butter
Daisy variety: This particular varieties colors range from lemon yellow to
golden orange and it has dark orange-yellow centers.
2. Blackfoot
Daisy variety: Blackfoot daisy are bushy plants with small white daisy-like
flowers and narrow, grayish-green leaves.
3. Casino
Light Yellow variety: This variety has bright and cheerful daisy-like yellow
flowers.
Post a Comment