Published by Brian Wagner on 11/12/25 in “Growing Flowers from Seed.”
Erigeron karvinskianus (commonly called Mexican Fleabane) is a cherished perennial in mild climates, providing thousands of small white and pink daisies from spring through autumn. Hardy to Zone 8, it was originally native to Central America, especially in Mexico and Guatemala. Today, it has become an invasive weed in much of Asia, Australia and New Zealand, while it is a cherished ‘volunteer’ across most of Europe.
In its native geography it thrives in a coastal habitat – where the ocean brings a mild, ‘easy going’ and sunny ecosystem. It thrives on well-drained, rocky substrate with minimal nutrition. It is also quite well adapted growing in scrubland habitat – where moisture is even lower. As you can imagine, it is a sun worshipper and will not tolerate shade; it needs at least 4 hours of direct sun every day.
It has a charming habit of putting out small little daisies all over itself – and after a little bit of time, each of them turns colour into a soft pink. The net effect is a plant smothered in both white (new) and pink (older) daisies all summer long. They are wonderful plants at the front of a border because they rarely get higher than 10” and they flower all summer long.
They will self-seed but only in milder climates. In parts of Asia, Australia and New Zealand they have spread far and wide and are sometimes considered invasive (albeit beautiful) weeds. In Europe they are much more welcome, growing happily in between cracks of pavements and rock walls. Their seeds are attached to light fluff and are easy to miss – a windy day will knock them all away. Seeds can be expensive, however, and harvesting seeds should be a valued past time.
Growing from Seed
Fleabane is very easy from seed. Fresh collected seeds should be stored dry at room temperature, and which should last several years if kept away from extreme heat. To grow from seed, surface sow the seeds and keep them around room temperature (21C or 70F). They desire light to germinate so do not cover. The seeds are incredibly small – one small gram has 20,000 seeds.
A humidity dome is essential for growing small seeds. Every day mist the surface with a fine mister – and keep the mister a few feet away from the soil while misting. This will help dissipate small delicate mists of water that will not harm the seeds. Do this daily. Keep the humidity dome at all times except if direct sun is shining on them (in which case take the lids off). Seeds should germinate in 3 to 5 days, but if nothing happens after 2 weeks then consider the seeds to be dead.
Seedlings need bright light, and they will need to be potted up around Day 60. Best not to thin them out until Day 60 as they’re quite delicate. They will take 120 days from seed to planting so be patient, but they will be well worth the wait.