How to Grow Bidens
Bidens ferulifolia
Bidens is a half-hardy trailing annual smothered in golden-yellow daisy flowers from early summer to first frost. Usually bought as young plants in spring. Plant out after last frost into hanging baskets, containers, and bed edges. Extremely vigorous and easy — tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil better than most bedding plants. Feed weekly for best display. Self-cleaning with no deadheading needed. Trim if it overwhelms neighbours. Not frost-hardy; discard at season end.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 12°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed weekly during peak flowering. Vigorous grower that benefits from regular nutrition.
- Cheerful trailing plant smothered in golden-yellow daisy flowers from early summer to frost. Extremely vigorous and easy to grow. Self-cleaning — no deadheading needed. Excellent bee plant.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
For trailing varieties in hanging baskets and containers. Vigorous spreader that fills gaps quickly.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves, slime trails, seedlings eaten overnight
- Beer traps
- Copper tape around containers
- Evening hand-picking
- Ferric phosphate pellets (wildlife-safe)
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe spp.
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, especially in late summer. Leaves may yellow and drop.
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Avoid overcrowding. Water at the base, not overhead. Ensure good airflow.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Bidens?
- Plant Bidens 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Bidens flower?
- Bidens typically flowers approximately 40 days after transplanting.
- Is Bidens frost hardy?
- Bidens is classified as Half Hardy.
