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How to Grow Bidens

Bidens ferulifolia

Half Hardy Warm Season Continuous Harvest

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

Sow seeds
Germination ~10d
Flowering ~80d

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.

Companion Planting

Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 12°C+

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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.

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Care Guide

Feeding
Balanced liquid feed weekly during peak flowering. Vigorous grower that benefits from regular nutrition.
Watch for
  • Slugs on young plants
  • Generally pest-free
  • Can become invasive in mild areas

Pests & Diseases

Pest Slugs and Snails

Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves, slime trails, seedlings eaten overnight

Organic treatment:
  • Beer traps
  • Copper tape around containers
  • Evening hand-picking
Chemical treatment:
  • 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 temperature12°C
Base growth temperature10°C
Min. daylength to start11h
Photoperiod sensitivityday 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.

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