April Birth Flower: Why You Need to Give the Gift of Flowers
Do you never know what to give your loved ones with April birthdays in your life? Giving gifts that have the April birth flower are not only meaningful, but will make your loved ones feel special.
What is the April Birth Flower?
April is a month that brings the refreshing embrace of spring, where flowers begin to bloom, birds sing, and the world feels just a little bit more alive. People born in April are fortunate enough to share their birth month with not just one, but two stunning flowers: the Daisy and the Sweet Pea. Both flowers carry their own unique symbolism and charm, making them perfect representations of the vibrant energy and beauty of April.
Daisy Meaning:
The daisy is one of the most beloved flowers worldwide. Its simple yet beautiful appearance, with delicate white petals surrounding a golden center, has earned it the title of one of the most recognizable blooms. Daisies have long been associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings, making them a perfect symbol for those born in April.
Although my mother in law isn’t born in April, she loves daisies so I have planted Daisies in my yard so I can think of her every year when they bloom.
For those born in April, the daisy serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple joys in life. It encourages a spirit of optimism and joy, qualities that are often attributed to April-born individuals, who are known for their cheerful and friendly nature.
Sweet Pea Meaning:
In addition to the daisy, the sweet pea also holds special significance for those born in April. With its fragrant, colorful blooms that can range from soft pastels to vibrant colors, the sweet pea is a true symbol of spring. This flower is often associated with delicate beauty and is known for its fragrant smell, which can be smelled by just walking by a blooming sweet pea plant.
The sweet pea’s symbolism is varied but often centers around ideas of blissful pleasure, and gratitude. Historically, sweet peas were linked to the idea of saying goodbye, often given to loved ones leaving as a token of good wishes for their journey. In contrast, the flower also represents gratitude and appreciation for life’s fleeting pleasures. It encourages us to cherish moments of happiness and love, as they are often brief but beautiful.
For those born with the April birth flower, the sweet pea is a reflection of their personalities. Just as the flower can be found in a wide range of colors, April-born individuals often possess a range of qualities, from creativity and compassion to intelligence and humor. The sweet pea’s cheerful demeanor mirrors the vibrant spirit of those born in April.
Why Growing April Birth Flower Will Bring you Joy
Now that you know the flower have you ever considered growing them? How fun would it be to have a garden full of the birth flowers of all your loved ones? Maybe your children, siblings, or loved ones that have moved on from this life. You can be in your garden and remember them, or maybe feel them with you. How healing for the soul, or just fun! Your front yard could depict your family without a family photo. Flowers have such a healing effect on the soul. My front yard is dedicated to flowers. Flowers I love and flowers that the people I love, love. Shata daisies for my mother in law, lilacs for my grandma Mary, daffodils for my grandma Oda, hydrangeas for my mom, and peonies for me. Grow flowers that have meaning, and I think growing birth flowers is a great place to start.
How to Grow Daisies
Daisies are hardy, low-maintenance flowers that grow in a variety of climates. With their cheerful white petals and golden centers, daisies make a great low maintenance addition to any garden.
1. Choose the Right Location
Daisies prefer full sun, so pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They do well in a variety of soils, but they especially like well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay or tends to stay waterlogged, add some compost to the hole when planting to improve drainage.
2. Planting Daisies
Daisies can be grown from seeds, or transplants. I suggest growing from a plant because they will come back every year and harder to start from seed for a new grower.
- From Seeds: If starting from seeds, plant them indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Lightly press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep them moist and place them under a grow light. Transplant them outdoors once the threat of nightly freezing temperatures has passed.
- From Transplants: If you prefer to buy nursery-grown plants, plant them in your garden after the last frost date. Your last frost date can be found by a simple google search. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow and spread.
3. Watering and Fertilizing
Daisies are drought-tolerant once established but will need regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant twice a week and more during dry spells.
Daisies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilizing. Fertilizing once or twice in the spring is usually enough. My soil is low in nitrogen so I like to use worm castings and blood meal at the base of the plant in the spring and that’s it!
4. Pruning and Deadheading
Daisies will flower once and a year, so once the flowers are dead you can cut them off to keep the plant looking nice.
5. Winter Care
Daisies are perennials, so they’ll come back year after year. In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
How to Grow Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are beautiful, fragrant climbing plants that add vertical interest and a burst of color to gardens. Sweet peas can be tricky to grow in hot climates, but their smell is worth it. The smell is so beautiful that you can smell the flowers just by walking by.
1. Choose the Right Location
Sweet peas need sun to grow, but do not like the heat. I plant mine in a spot that gets afternoon shade to help keep the plant cooler. A place like the side of a house or shed is a great spot. Sweet peas prefer rich, well-draining soil so if you have heavy clay soil add compost at planting to loosen the soil.
2. Planting Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are typically grown from seeds. They have a hard seed coat, so it’s helpful to soak them in a wet paper towel in a plastic bag the night before to help them grow faster, BUT this is not necessary.
- Planting Time: Sweet peas can be sown outdoors in early spring (as soon as the soil is workable, or you can start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Spacing: When planting outdoors, space the seeds about 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 6-12 inches apart.
3. Providing Support
Sweet peas are climbers, so you’ll need to provide a structure for them to grow on. A trellis, fence, or even a few bamboo poles can work well. As they grow, gently train the vines to climb the structure by wrapping them loosely up the trellis.
4. Watering and Fertilizing
Sweet peas need consistent moisture, especially while they are establishing their roots. Water them regularly, but make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid root rot. Try to keep the foliage dry by watering at the base of the plants.
I add compost or worm castings to my soil at planting and that is it. You don’t want to over fertilize sweet peas with nitrogen or they will not bloom, so keep it simple!
5. Deadheading
For the best blooms, regularly remove dead flowers (deadhead) to encourage new growth and keep the plant flowering. Sweet peas typically bloom from late spring to early summer, and once the flowers start fading, deadheading can extend the blooming period for a few extra weeks.
6. Sweet Pea Caution
The flowering sweet peas are not the same as snap peas (that are eaten). You CANNOT eat sweet pea pods, they are toxic. Enjoy the flowers and don’t eat the pods! The sweet peas that I have planted have fuzzy pods so it is easy to tell them from the snapping peas you eat.
April Birth Flower as a Cut Flower
You know I can’t talk about flowers without talking about cutting them and bringing them inside. Daisies do not make great cut flowers because they will not produce another flower once you cut them all off, but Sweet Peas will keep blooming and blooming. Sweet peas are a great cut flower because they smell so good, but they do not have a great vase life. Only lasting 3-4 days in a vase. Cut the flower off the plant before it is opened fully for the longest vase life. Although they don’t have a long vase life I think they are worth it for the smell, and you can buy sweet peas at any store.
April Birth Flower Gift Ideas
Are you have the April birth flower Birthday or have a loved one with an April birthday? I have come up with a few fun, beautiful and cute ideas to make your April birthdays feel special.
- Daisy or Sweet Pea necklace or jewelry
- Embroider a Daisy or Sweet Pea flower on an article of clothing or hat
- Sticker of a Daisy or Sweet Pea
- Children’s book, one that I found is called You’re My Little Sweet Pea
- How to grow sweet pea book, I like Sweet Pea School
- The actual plant or seeds
- Sweet Pea or Daisy coloring book
No matter what you do, enjoy this time of month, Happy Birthday to all of the April birthdays. I hope you feel special this time of year because you are a symbol of Bliss and Purity.
Happy gardening, and may your April blooms bring you joy!
As always,
grow flowers to heal the soul
Beth
