Hannay's Lemon Drop Bidens Bidens aurea 'Hannay's Lemon Drop'

Water

The Beggar-ticks should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might be once a week, but it's essential to monitor the moisture level of the soil and adjust accordingly. During the growing season, you might find the need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy. Ensure to water the plant with about 1 gallon of water each time, thoroughly soaking the soil until excess water drains out of the bottom. In the winter months, reduce the watering to every other week or as needed, as the plant's water requirements will decrease with cooler temperatures and reduced light.

Light

Beggar-ticks thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day being ideal. The best spot for this plant would be in an area where it can receive bright, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, some relief from the intense midday sun, especially in the hottest part of the summer, can prevent scorching and help the plant continue to flower prolifically.

Temperature

Beggar-ticks prefer a temperate climate and can generally tolerate temperatures ranging from about 35°F to 85°F. The ideal temperature for these plants is around the 60°F to 75°F range. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to dip below 35°F. To encourage blooming and healthy growth, keep the plant in an environment within this ideal temperature range as much as possible.

Pruning

Beggar-ticks benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Prune early in the growing season and deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the growing season; just snip off the tips of the stems and any wilted flowers. The best time for a more thorough pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Beggar's Tick 'Hannay's Lemon Drop' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand encourages robust growth and flowering.

Repotting

Beggar's Tick 'Hannay's Lemon Drop' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container to prevent root crowding and to refresh the soil, typically in the spring just before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Beggar's Tick 'Hannay's Lemon Drop' prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is relatively adaptable but aim for a range of 40-60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Beggar's Tick in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-10 USDA

Life cycle

Bidens aurea 'Hannay's Lemon Drop', also known as "Hannay's Lemon Drop," begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges with cotyledons and true leaves soon follow, initiating the vegetative stage where the plant establishes its root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage during the late spring to summer, producing bright yellow blooms that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the plant forms seeds in small, dry fruits that can distribute themselves in the vicinity or be carried to new locations by animals or human activity. As a perennial, after the flowering and seeding stages, Hannay's Lemon Drop may go into a period of dormancy in winter, where the above-ground parts die back, and the plant relies on its root system to survive until the next growing season. In subsequent years, the plant will regrow from its roots, repeating its cycle of vegetative growth, flowering, and seeding.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular way to propagate Bidens aurea 'Hannay's Lemon Drop', commonly known as bur marigold, is through softwood cuttings. During the late spring or early summer, when the plant's growth is most vigorous, you should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) section. This cutting should have at least two to three sets of leaves. Once the cutting is taken, the lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. Adequate moisture must be maintained, and the pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect light until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be transplanted into a garden or container for further growth.