Beggarticks (Bidens alba)

Also known as: Smooth Beggar-Tick, Shepherd's needles, Butterfly needles, Romerillo

Beggarticks (*Bidens alba*) are perennial wildflowers that are an important source of food for butterflies, bees, and insects. It is an aggressive growing plant, but it is a native species in many parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It blooms white ray flowers with yellow disc centers that look like daisy flowers. Blooming time is from spring to fall.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Beggarticks

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch)

Flower Color

White Yellow

Images of Beggarticks

Quickly Identify Beggarticks

Bidens alba can be identified by its white ray florets surrounding a central cluster of yellow disc florets. Its leaves are pinnate and serrated, and it often has barbed fruits that easily cling to clothing and fur.

Scientific Classification of Beggarticks

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Beggarticks

Species

Beggarticks

Planting and Growing of Beggarticks

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Beggarticks?

For Bidens alba, ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water with approximately 250 ml each time to provide enough moisture for its roots. The goal is to maintain slight dampness in the soil without over-saturation.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Beggarticks? ›

What should I do if my Beggarticks is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Beggarticks? ›

How to save an overwatered Beggarticks? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Beggarticks?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Bidens alba flourishes in full sun. This light exposure encourages healthy foliage development and extensive flowering, ensuring strong plant vitality and aesthetic beauty in the garden.

What is the ideal light condition for Bidens alba? ›

How can I ensure Bidens alba gets ideal light? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting offer to Bidens alba? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Beggarticks?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 80℉

The ideal temperature range for Bidens alba is between 65°F and 80°F. This range provides optimal conditions for the plant's growth and development, ensuring that it can photosynthesize efficiently and maintain its biological processes effectively. Maintaining these temperatures will support healthy foliage and prolific flowering.

What Soil is Best for Beggarticks?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Bidens alba thrives in nutrient-rich loam, which provides excellent drainage and a balanced structure. This soil type supplies essential nutrients and promotes healthy root development, essential for the plant's growth and its vibrant flowering. The plant can tolerate sandy soil, as long as it drains well. Good drainage prevents root rot by ensuring water does not stagnate around the roots, thus promoting strong and healthy plants. Bidens alba prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels. Maintaining the soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 helps optimize nutrient availability and supports robust plant health.

How to Fertilize Beggarticks?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Bidens alba requires relatively moderate amounts of fertilizer. When applying liquid fertilizer, use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK formula, mixing one tablespoon per gallon of water. For slow-release granules, scatter approximately one tablespoon per square foot.

How to Prune Beggarticks?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by identifying any dead or diseased stems. Remove them at the base to prevent any disease from spreading and to encourage healthier growth. To maintain a tidy appearance, trim the plant to your desired shape. This can control its growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy or unruly. Bidens alba can become quite bushy, so thinning out some of the excess growth can improve air circulation and light penetration, enhancing overall plant health. For a fuller appearance, regularly pinch back the tips of the stems. This will encourage the plant to branch out more and promote dense, bushy growth.

How to Propagate Beggarticks plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Choose mature Bidens alba seeds from previously dried flower heads or cut healthy stems with a few leaves for cutting propagation. This ensures you are working with viable plant material.

Prepare a well-draining soil mix using equal parts of peat, sand, and perlite. Ensure the growing medium is moist but not waterlogged to prevent seed rot or cutting decay.

Sow seeds superficially in the seed tray or insert cuttings into the soil. Gently water the medium to keep it moist. Cover with a plastic dome or a plastic wrap to retain humidity.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Beggarticks plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Bidens alba should be repotted when roots start emerging out of the pot's drainage holes or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicating that the current space is insufficient for its growth. Also, if you notice the soil losing its fertility or water isn't draining properly, it's a sign to repot your plant. These signs generally show up after a year or two of growth, especially during active growing seasons.

Opt for a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to ensure Bidens alba has enough space to expand its root system. A pot with ample drainage holes is crucial to prevent water logging, which can harm the plant's root health. Ceramic or terracotta pots are effective as they offer breathability, aiding in moisture control, crucial for healthy plant roots.

Select a well-draining sandy loam mix for repotting Bidens alba, catering to its preference for moderate moisture retention while preventing waterlogged conditions. This type of soil ensures that nutrients are adequately supplied to the plant, supporting its vigorous growth and robust flowering. A nutrient-enriched, loose soil structure also promotes healthy root expansion and plant stability.