Melampodium

( mel - am - POH - dee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials or annuals is also known as Blackfoot or Blackfoot Daisy, and requires full sun and moderate water. They are rugged plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Most species can be found in Mexico, five in the United States, and the rest in Colombia and Brazil. Plants generally reach a height of about three feet tall , and tend to flop over when fully grown. They are moderately drought- and heat-tolerant, and produce daisy form yellow to white flowers. Use these plants in containers, mixed beds, in borders, or in natural, informal or cottage gardens. Take care when planting and working with these flowers in the landscape, as their sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Melampodium species and varietals

The genus Melampodium is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes around 40 species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Helianthus (Sunflower), Zinnia, Dahlia, Leucanthemum (Daisies), and Tagetes (Marigolds). The genus is named for the Greek mythological figure Melampus. Melampodium grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-11 or Sunset growing zones 2, 3 and 10-13. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Melampodium divaricatum (Gold Medallion, Butter Daisy, Melampodium, Botón de Oro)
This species was first described back in 1836. It produces yellow flowers with yellow centers, hence the common name Gold Medallion. Foliage is dark green to green. This species is considered invasive in Florida (United States), the Pacific Islands, and West Africa. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Derby'
To a foot tall with golden flowers.

'Jackpot Gold'
With 2-inch wide darker gold-orange flowers. To a foot tall.

'Lemon Delight'
Flowers are bright lemon-yellow, and plants reach 1-2 feet tall.

'Medallion'
Large cultivar to 2-3 feet tall with golden-yellow flowers.

'Million Gold'
Compact grower to 10 inches tall with bright yellow flowers.

'Showstar'
To between 14 and 24 inches tall with gold-yellow blooms.

Melampodium leucanthum (Plains Blackfoot, Blackfoot Daisy, Rock Daisy, Blackfoot)
These flowers are native to the Sonoran desert in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. They form clumps of grey-green foliage about a foot tall and just as wide. White daisies are fragrant and smell of honey, and provide a profuse show of blooms in midspring through early fall. They will discontinue blooming in freezing temperatures.

Caring for Melampodium

Melampodium plants can be seeded directly into the garden or purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. They appreciate full sun, with some late afternoon shade in warmer climates. Ideally, they should be receiving between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day to avoid plants becoming leggy and flopping over. They appreciate soil that is well-draining with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). They grow naturally in soils that are rocky or sandy and nutritionally poor, but can really grow well a wide range of soil types. They will perform best in decomposed granite substrate. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, Melampodium plants need regular waterings; between 1/2 to 1 inch a week is ideal. These plants are considered to be drought-tolerant once established, but will perform better with consistent irrigation. Plants do not respond well to soggy conditions, so take care to not overwater. These plants can become a bit straggly with age, and can be cut back in fall to improve appearance and encourage a bushier habit to form. Deadhead plants to clean them up and encourage more blossoms to form. These plants will freely reseed in the garden, and volunteers that pop up can be dug and replanted elsewhere if desired. There are annual and perennial species; annuals are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season and replaced in the next. Perennial species can survive for 2 to 5 years before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Melampodium in Containers
Melampodium flowers can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Melampodium plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Melampodium, or Butter Daisy, is best propagated by harvesting and sowing seed. To propagate your Butter Daisy, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Melampodium by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Seeds are located in clusters at the center of flower heads, and are collectible once they have browned and dried out. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.