Tips For Reducing Mantanuc Daisies For The Winter?

Montauk Daisies, also known as Nippon Daisies, have a unique growth pattern that requires regular pruning to prevent them from flopping. To prune Montauk daisies, cut green plants back half way and trim brown, slimy plants down to the ground to encourage them to bloom more profusely the following year. Wait until after several hard frosts to accomplish this.

The last pruning on Montauk daisies is performed in winter, which will be the strongest and allow them to grow stronger in spring. To make the most of the fall flower show, prune faithfully in spring through division. Overwintered plants may become woody if they don’t die back to the ground each winter. Cutting back overwintered plants to the base of the stems each spring prevents this issue.

Gardening experts offer tips on how to grow and care for Montauk daisies. To prevent legginess, pinch back Montauk daisy plants in early to midsummer by cutting them back by half, keeping them tighter and more compact. Cut back plants during the first week in July, reducing their height to 18 inches, which slows growth and creates sturdier, thicker stems that hold up the flowers when the plant blooms in the fall. For a strong fall bloom, prune plants to about 6 inches tall in early spring, with a second strong pruning in July.

For a bushy, upright growth habit, slightly cut back new growth in the spring. Avoid leaving the plant alone all fall and winter, and cut off dead wood or dieback in the spring. When spring comes around, cut back deadwood or dieback.