No matter the color, size, or variety, daisies are flowers that bring joy to all who encounter them. With over 20,000 varieties worldwide, daisies brighten gardens, symbolize purity and cheerfulness, and even offer medicinal benefits. Every January 28th, National Daisy Day honors this remarkable flower and encourages us to appreciate its beauty and versatility.

Quick Facts About National Daisy Day

• When is it? January 28th
• Tags: Gardening, Nature & Environment, Plants & Flowers
• Hashtag: #NationalDaisyDay

The History of National Daisy Day

The daisy has a rich and fascinating history, tracing back to Ancient Egypt, where it was cultivated for its beauty and healing properties. In European tradition, daisies have symbolized purity, new beginnings, and joy for centuries. Though once mistaken for weeds by some gardeners, daisies are now celebrated as versatile flowers with aesthetic, culinary, and medicinal uses.

Fun Facts About Daisies Through History

• 2200 BC: Ancient Egyptians grow daisies for medicinal purposes.
• 1737: Gerbera daisies, native to South Africa, are named after German botanist Traugott Gerber.
• 1792: The daisy family is officially classified as “Compositae” by botanist Paul Dietrich Giseke.
• 1984: The Girl Scouts introduce the Daisy program for kindergarteners.

Why Daisies Are Special

Daisies are more than just beautiful blooms—they are nature’s multitaskers. They can be used in salads, teas, and even for healing purposes. Here are some of their incredible qualities:

• Medicinal Uses: Wild daisy tea has been used to treat coughs, kidney issues, bronchitis, and inflammation.
• Edible Beauty: Some varieties of daisies are edible and can decorate cakes or enrich salads.
• Environmental Role: Daisies help bees by providing nectar and supporting pollination.

How to Celebrate National Daisy Day

1. Grow Daisies

Start a daisy garden or plant seeds indoors to get a head start on spring. Popular varieties like Shasta, Gerbera, Marguerite, and English daisies are relatively easy to grow and bring a cheerful presence to any garden.

2. Learn About Daisies

Dive deeper into daisy facts:

• Two-in-One Flowers: Daisies are composite flowers, meaning they’re actually two flowers combined—petals and a central disc.
• Name Origins: The name “daisy” comes from Old English daes eage, meaning “day’s eye,” reflecting how daisies close their petals at night and reopen at sunrise.

3. Gift Daisies

Brighten someone’s day with a bouquet of daisies or a potted plant. They’re a thoughtful gift for friends, coworkers, or loved ones.

4. Plan to Attend a Daisy Festival

Though festivals might not align with National Daisy Day, they’re worth adding to your calendar:

• Yellow Daisy Festival (Stone Mountain, Georgia): Held in September, this event features arts, crafts, and daisy-themed attractions.
• Daisy Festival Outdoor Fest (Albert Lea, Minnesota): Celebrate daisies with art, music, and crafts during the first weekend in September.
• Daisy Days (Georgia): Explore trails and nature reserves in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

FAQs About Daisies

• Are daisies toxic to cats? Some varieties can be toxic to cats, so ensure they stay out of reach.
• Are daisies perennials? Many daisies are perennials, thriving in zones as low as USDA Zone 3 or 4.
• Can daisies grow indoors? Gerbera daisies are perfect for indoor gardening.
• Do daisies bloom all summer? Yes, many daisies are low-maintenance and bloom continuously through summer.

Final Thoughts

National Daisy Day is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the beauty of nature. Whether you’re planting them, learning about their history, or sharing their beauty with others, daisies remind us to cherish life’s simple pleasures. So, this January 28th, let’s honor this delightful flower and its enduring charm!