The April birth flower is the daisy, with the sweet pea as the second flower for the month. The daisy stands for innocence, purity and new beginnings, while the sweet pea stands for blissful pleasure and a fond goodbye.
One is a cheerful, hardy meadow flower and the other a fragrant climbing annual, and together they sum up the mood of April. Here is what each one means, how color changes the message, and how to give or grow them.
Quick Answer: April Birth Flower Facts
- Main flower: daisy (Bellis perennis and relatives).
- Second flower: sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus).
- Daisy meaning: innocence, purity, loyal love, new beginnings.
- Sweet pea meaning: blissful pleasure, gratitude, a tender goodbye.
- Birthstone: diamond.
Daisy Meaning: The April Birth Flower
The word “daisy” comes from the Old English “day’s eye,” because the flower opens at dawn and closes at dusk. It has long stood for innocence and simplicity, and the old tradition of plucking petals (“he loves me, he loves me not”) ties it to loyal love. Many cultures also link daisies to motherhood and new babies, which suits their fresh, uncomplicated look.
Sweet Pea Meaning: The Second April Flower
Sweet peas are ruffled, richly scented flowers in pastel and jewel tones. In the Victorian language of flowers they meant blissful pleasure and also “thank you for a lovely time” or a gentle goodbye. A small bunch is a thoughtful way to thank someone, and they are a favorite for spring weddings and old-fashioned posies.
What Each Color Means
| Color | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White daisy | Innocence, purity, new beginnings | New babies, fresh starts |
| Yellow daisy | Joy, friendship, cheer | Birthdays, get-well |
| Pink daisy | Gentle affection, admiration | Mothers, close friends |
| Red or orange gerbera daisy | Warmth, energy | Celebrations |
| White sweet pea | Purity, innocence | Weddings, new babies |
| Pink sweet pea | Gratitude, delicate pleasure | Thank-yous |
| Lavender sweet pea | Grace, elegance | Mothers, teachers |
| Red sweet pea | Warm affection | Romantic posies |
April Birthday Gift Ideas
- Gerbera or Shasta daisy bouquet: long-lasting and bright.
- Sweet pea posy: small, scented and best given in season.
- Potted English daisies: can be planted out in the garden.
- Sweet pea seed set: a gift for a gardener to sow next season.
- Diamond jewelry with a daisy card: April’s birthstone.
How to Grow Daisies and Sweet Peas
Daisies: Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum) are tough perennials, generally hardy in roughly zones 5 to 9. Give them full sun and well-drained soil, divide clumps every two to three years and deadhead for repeat blooms. English daisies (Bellis) prefer cooler weather and light shade in warm summers.
Sweet peas are cool-season annual climbers:
- Sow in fall in mild climates, or late winter to early spring elsewhere, as soon as soil can be worked.
- Soak seeds for a few hours or nick the coat to speed germination.
- Give them rich, moist soil and a trellis or canes in full sun.
- Pinch out the tips when seedlings have a few pairs of leaves to encourage branching.
- Pick flowers often; if they set seed, blooming stops.
Common Problems and Pet Safety
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet peas stop flowering | Heat or seed pods forming | Pick regularly; water and mulch |
| Powdery mildew on leaves | Poor airflow, dry roots | Space plants; water at the base |
| Floppy daisies | Rich soil, too much shade | Stake or cut back by a third in early summer |
| Aphids on stems | Spring pests | Spray off with water or use soap spray |
Sweet pea seeds and pods are toxic if eaten, so keep them away from children and pets. See the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list to check other flowers. Daisies are generally mildly irritating to pets.
Explore Other Birth Month Flowers
Read our full birth month flowers guide, or the earlier months: March birth flower, February birth month flowers and January birth flower. You may also enjoy nasturtium plants for easy annual color.
Conclusion
The daisy and sweet pea are an easygoing, affectionate pair. Give a daisy posy for innocence and cheer, send sweet peas to say thanks, or sow seeds in the garden so you can pick your own bouquet for an April birthday.
FAQ
What is the April birth flower?
The daisy is the main April birth flower, and the sweet pea is the second.
What does the daisy symbolize?
Innocence, purity, loyal love and new beginnings.
What does the sweet pea mean?
Blissful pleasure, gratitude and a gentle goodbye.
When do I sow sweet peas?
In fall in mild-winter areas, otherwise late winter or early spring. They prefer cool weather.
What is the April birthstone?
Diamond, which pairs nicely with the white daisy’s symbolism of purity.
