Weed Control for Paper Daisies: How to Prepare a Weed-Free Garden Bed for Wildflower Seeds
One of the biggest reasons gardeners struggle with growing everlasting paper is weeds.
If you want your paper daisies to form a beautiful carpet of pink and white blooms, spending a little time preparing the area before planting will make a huge difference. In fact, preparing a garden bed for wildflower seeds is one of the most important steps in creating a successful display.
Why Weed Control Matters
Australian Everlasting Paper Daisies (Rhodanthe chlorocephala ssp. rosea) belong to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest flowering plant families in the world.
Many of Australia's most common garden weeds are also members of this family, including:
- Capeweed
- Scotch thistle
- Dandelions
- Fleabane
- Sow thistle
Because these weeds are closely related to paper daisies, they thrive in the same growing conditions and compete for the same things:
- Sunlight
- Water
- Nutrients
- Space
When weeds establish before your daisies do, they often outgrow the seedlings and can quickly take over an entire garden bed.
A few hours spent preparing your garden bed before sowing can save weeks of weeding later.
Preparing a Garden Bed for Wildflower Seeds
The secret to a beautiful wildflower display starts long before the seeds go into the ground.
The easiest way to control weeds is before you plant your paper daisy seeds.
Instead of sowing directly into an area full of existing weeds, take the time to prepare the site properly.
We recommend this simple method:
- Remove any large weeds already growing in the area.
- Water the garden bed thoroughly.
- Wait 7–14 days for a fresh flush of weed seedlings to emerge.
- Spray or hand-remove these young weeds.
- Once the area is clean, sow your everlasting paper daisy seeds.
This technique dramatically reduces weed competition while your seedlings establish.
Why Paper Daisy Seedlings Struggle Against Weeds
Paper daisy seedlings start out surprisingly small. During the first few weeks they're putting most of their energy into developing a healthy root system rather than producing lots of leafy growth. This means they're easily overshadowed by fast-growing weeds. Even a small amount of competition for sunlight, moisture or nutrients can slow their development. Starting with a clean, weed-free garden bed gives your seedlings the space they need to establish quickly before weeds become a problem.
Remove Existing Weeds Before You Plant
Many perennial weeds already have established root systems.
If they're left in place, they'll continue growing while your paper daisy seedlings are only just emerging.
Removing established weeds before sowing gives your daisies the best possible start and allows them to establish a thick canopy that naturally suppresses later weed growth.
Why Mulch Isn't Recommended
Unlike many other garden plants, paper daisy seeds need light to germinate.
Covering the soil with bark, sugar cane mulch or thick compost after sowing can prevent many seeds from emerging.
Instead, sow directly onto prepared soil and lightly press or rake the seeds into the surface while still allowing light to reach them.
Controlling Grass Weeds
Once your paper daisies are established, grass weeds are often easier to manage than broadleaf weeds because selective grass herbicides can be used according to the product label.
Because paper daisies are broadleaf plants, grass weeds can often be controlled using a selective grass herbicide, such as Fusilade.
These herbicides target grassy plants while leaving broadleaf plants, including paper daisies, unaffected when used according to the product label.
Common grass weeds include:
- Couch grass
- Summer grass
- Ryegrass
- Barnyard grass
Always read and follow the herbicide label carefully, paying close attention to application rates, timing and safety instructions.
Hand Weeding Makes a Big Difference
Even after good preparation, you'll usually see the occasional weed appear.
The best time to remove them is while they're still small.
Young weeds are easy to pull out, haven't developed deep roots and haven't yet produced seed.
Healthy Daisies Become Their Own Weed Control
Once established, everlasting paper daisies naturally grow into dense clumps that shade the soil beneath them.
This reduces the amount of light reaching new weed seeds, helping suppress future weed growth throughout the flowering season.
The healthier your paper daisies become, the less opportunity weeds have to establish.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a garden bed for wildflower seeds is one of the most rewarding things you can do before planting everlasting paper daisies.
Starting with a clean, weed-free seedbed allows your seedlings to establish quickly, reduces competition for moisture and nutrients, and leads to a far more spectacular display of flowers.
We've found that the best displays of paper daisies always begin before the seed is even sown. Taking the time to prepare a clean, weed-free garden bed gives your seedlings the very best start. A little preparation now will reward you with months of colourful blooms and far less time spent pulling weeds later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove weeds before planting wildflower seeds?
Yes. Removing weeds before planting gives your wildflower seeds the best chance to germinate and establish. Weeds compete for sunlight, water, nutrients and space, often growing much faster than young seedlings. Taking the time to prepare a clean seedbed will result in healthier plants and a far better display of flowers.
Can I plant paper daisies where weeds have been sprayed?
Yes. Once the weeds have died and the product label indicates it is safe to plant, you can prepare the soil and sow your paper daisy seeds. Always follow the directions on the herbicide label, as waiting periods vary between products.
How long should I wait after removing weeds before planting?
Allow 7–14 days after watering for weed seeds to germinate, remove them, then sow your paper daisy seeds into the clean seedbed. This helps reduce weed competition while your seedlings become established.
Can I spray weeds before planting paper daisies?
Yes. If you're preparing a new garden bed, it's often beneficial to remove weeds before sowing your paper daisy seeds. Water the area first to encourage weed seeds to germinate, then either spray or hand-remove the weeds before planting. Once the weeds have died and it's safe according to the herbicide label, you can sow your seeds into the clean, prepared soil.
How do I prepare soil for paper daisy seeds?
Paper daisies grow best in full sun with well-drained soil. Start by removing existing weeds, lightly loosen or rake the soil surface, and create a fine seedbed. Scatter the seeds evenly at approximately 1 gram per square metre, then gently rake or press them into the soil. Because paper daisy seeds need light to germinate, they should remain close to the surface rather than being buried deeply. Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Can you plant wildflower seeds over grass?
It's not recommended. Existing grass is usually too competitive and will outgrow young wildflower seedlings. For the best results, remove the grass first and prepare a clean planting area before sowing. This gives your paper daisies the sunlight and space they need to establish quickly and produce a dense display of flowers.
Will paper daisies outcompete weeds?
Once established, paper daisies can help suppress many small weeds by forming a dense canopy that shades the soil surface. However, they won't outcompete established weeds or vigorous grasses. The best approach is to control weeds before planting and continue removing any new weeds while your daisies are becoming established. Healthy, well-grown paper daisies are much better at keeping future weed growth to a minimum.
A beautiful paper daisy display starts with good preparation and the right amount of seed.
Explore our Paper Daisy Seed Bundles to find the perfect option for your garden, verge or wildflower meadow.
