From Seed to Blossom: How to Grow Stunning Shasta Daisies

If you're looking for an easy-to-grow perennial that will add a cheerful touch to your garden, consider the Shasta Daisy. This classic flower, named after the Shasta mountains in California, features white petals and a sunny yellow center. Not only do they bloom all summer long, but Shasta Daisies also attract beneficial insects to your garden. These low-maintenance flowers are perfect for wildflower and cottage gardens and will continue to bloom from early summer to late fall.

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum) is a beautiful perennial flower that is easy to grow from seed. Shasta Daisies can grow up to 30 inches tall and are perfect for cut flower arrangements. They also attract beneficial insects to your garden, making them a great addition to wildflower and cottage gardens. 

To grow Shasta Daisies from seed, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 70ºF. With their easy care and long blooming season, Shasta Daisies are a must-have for any garden.

Sowing seeds indoors will give you more control over water, light, and temperature. The three most important things for seed germination. 

• Use a seed starting mix. 

• Gently press Shasta Daisy seeds onto the moist growing medium.

• Planting depth for seeds is 1/8”

• Shasta daisy seeds require light for germination. So be careful not to bury them.

• Mist the seeds with water.

• Use a humidity dome or cover to help keep moisture in and prevent the seeds from drying out.

• Optimal soil temperature for germination is 70ºF.

• Shasta Daisy seeds should start sprouting in 15 to 21 days. 

• Once the seeds sprout and start sending down roots, water the seedlings from the bottom to avoid damping off.

Once the seedlings are 2 to 4 inches high and have at least two true leaves, you can start the transplanting process.    

• First, start by hardening off your seedlings. Tender daisy seedlings can’t go straight from the protective indoor environment to the outdoor garden.     

• Also, you want to be past all chance of frost, and the ground should be 70ºF. Start with just an hour on the first day when taking them outside. Place them in a sheltered spot where they won’t get too much wind or sun. 

• Then increase the amount of time each day. When the Shasta Daisy seedlings are ready for their life outdoors, transplant them in the evening. This gives them time to adjust before the hottest part of the day.

Choose the right location to grow Shasta Daisies. They will grow best in full sun to partial shade with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

Sun

Shasta Daisies prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, full sun will result in more blooms.

Space

Space Shasta Daisy plants 1 to 2 feet apart. This will give them room to grow and have enough air circulation.

Soil

Nutrient-rich, loamy, moist soil will help your daisies thrive. Shasta Daisies can tolerate drought and poor soil but will grow better in nutrient-rich soil.

Watering

Regular watering of about an inch a week is usually sufficient. Shasta Daisies tolerate dry conditions better than soggy soil. So water only as needed and ensure good drainage. Once they are established, Shasta Daisies are somewhat drought tolerant. 

Fertilizing

Although Shasta Daisies can tolerate poor soil, you will have bigger plants with more blooms when the plants get enough nutrients. When transplanting outside, add some compost or fertilizer. For plants already in the ground, you can add fertilizer in the spring when they start growing again. A regular feeding schedule of every 2 to 4 weeks of fertilizer or compost will keep them healthy all summer.

Deadheading

Deadheading Shasta Daisies will encourage more blooms. Once the flowers start to wilt, cut them off. Also, cutting bloom stems before they are fully unfurled to bring indoors will give you beautiful flowers to enjoy indoors while encouraging the plant to produce more blooms.

Winter Care

In cold climates, a little extra care is needed to protect Shasta Daisies. In the fall, you can cut back the flowers and foliage and cover the plants with mulch. Keep the soil more on the dry side to prevent root rot. Shasta Daisies will start growing again when the ground warms up in the spring. (Hardiness zones 5 - 9)

Dividing 

Shasta Daisies are perennials that will last several years. But after a few years, they will start to die out. Divide Shasta Daisy plants every other year. Planting new seeds every other year will also give you a reliable supply of blooming daisy flowers.

Companion Flowers 

Shasta Daisies grow well in all kinds of flower gardens. They are a natural in wildflower and cottage gardens. Their beautiful white petals are also perfect for moon gardens. Shasta Daisies pair well with other flowers that have similar growing conditions, such as Bee balm and Yarrow. For a contrast of color and shape, try planting with Lavender or Larkspur. Surround mounds of Shasta Daisies with Johnny-jump-ups or Sweet Alyssum.

Part of the appeal of Shasta Daisies is that they don’t have many pests or diseases. 

They can suffer from root rot and wilt when they get too wet for a period of time. So prevention is key with careful watering.

Slugs and snails can be problematic in wet areas, so use appropriate control methods. And sometimes aphids can be a problem.

Shasta Daisies make a beautiful cut flower and have a long vase life. And harvesting Shasta Daisies the right way will encourage more blooms. 

When cutting daisies, use sharp, clean flower scissors and cut right above a growth node. This will encourage side growth of additional flower stems. 

We share more flower-cutting and arranging tips in our Planter’s Library.