Daisy Bellis perennis
Daisies are perennial weeds and are also known as the common daisy, lawn daisy and bruisewort. The daisy of the most common and recognisable of all lawn weeds. They are easily identified with their their distinct yellow and white flowers.
Daisies spread via short underground runners called rhizomes. They spread forming a low growing, dense mat, that will tolerate regular and close mowing. Once established they will out-compete and smother areas of fine grass.
Leaves
Daisy leaves are bourne from the centre of the plant in a basal rosette. Typical daisy leaves are rounded or spoon shaped, sometimes with lightly toothed edges and measure between 2 – 4 cm in length. They are usually pale to bright green in colour.
Flowers
The distinct daisy flowers have yellow centres with white / pinkish petals, typically between 2 – 3 cm in diameter. The flowers open during the day and close again at night. Daisies produce flowers between the months of March and October. However, it is not uncommon for then to flower all year round.
Habitat
The daisy will thrive in all conditions, especially moist soils that are lacking in nutrients.
Cultural control
A small number of weeds can be removed by hand using a small fork or daisy grubber, taking care to remove all of the roots.
Encourage a healthy coverage of grass with good lawn care practices.
Maintain adequate nutrition with a balanced fertiliser program.
Chemical control
A selective weed killer can be used to control daisies. Aim to treat the weeds when growth is strong for the best results. A single application is usually enough for daisies, in some cases a second application may be needed 6 weeks after the initial treatment.
Daisy images
Recommended herbicides for the control of black medic
Professional products (All operators must be trained and certificated in using and applying any Ministry Approved professional product)
- ICL Enforcer (2,4-D, Dicamba, Mecoprop-p, MCPA)
- ICL Praxys (Fluroxypyr, Clopyralid, Florasulam)
- ICL Esteron (2,4-D, Furosulam)
- Barclay Holster (Fluroxypyr, 2,4-D, Dicamaba)
- Headland Quickfire (Mecoprop-p, Dicamaba)
- Headland Blaster (Triclopyr, Clopyralid)
- Headland Cabadex (Flurosulam, Fluroxypyr)
- Hygrass-P (Dicamba, Mecoprop-p)
- Hysward-P (Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, MCPA)
- Bayer Longbow (MCPA, Dicamba, Mecoprop-p)
- Mascot Junction Turf (Flurosulam, 2,4-D)
- Mascot Greenor (Fluroxpyr, Clopyralid, MCPA)
- Mascot Crossbar (Fluroxpyr, 2,4-D, Dicamaba)
Products available for non-professional use (These products are available from garden centres and DIY stores and do not require any training or certification for use and application.)
- Weedol Concentrate (Fluroxypyr, Clopyralid, MCPA)
- Vitax lawn Clear (Clopyralid, 2,4-D, MCPA)
- Resolva Lawn Weed Killer (Mecoprop-p, Dicamba)
Tips for successful weed control using selective herbicides
- Treat weeds when growth is strong, this is usually in May and June.
- Don’t mow the lawn 3 days prior and 3 days after the treatment, to allow for maximum uptake of the chemical.
- Spray when the leaf/foliage is dry, as this reduces runoff and allows the chemical to stick to the weed.