Plant potted Shasta daisies in spring or early fall (Almanac). From seed, sow indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost and plant out after it (Burpee), or sow in a cold frame in fall or spring (Almanac). Give them full sun and soil that drains well, especially in winter (NC State, Illinois). Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart, deadhead for more flowers and divide every 2 to 3 years in spring or fall, at least 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes (NC State, Almanac, South Dakota State).
Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum × superbum, is a hybrid perennial developed in the 1890s near Mount Shasta, California, by Luther Burbank, and was once classed as a Chrysanthemum (NC State). It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide, with 2- to 3-inch white flowers and yellow centers from June to August (NC State); the Almanac says it blooms from late spring or early summer into early fall, and Illinois gives June to September.
When to plant Shasta daisies
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Spring or early fall (potted plants) | The Almanac plants container plants in spring or early fall |
| After the last frost (indoor-sown seedlings) | Burpee sows indoors 8 weeks before the last frost, hardens seedlings off for a week and plants out after frost |
| Fall or spring, in a cold frame (seed) | The Almanac sows seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; direct-sown seed blooms the following spring |
| Spring or fall (dividing) | NC State divides every 2 to 3 years in spring or fall; the Almanac in early spring or late summer to early fall |
| September, or spring (dividing) | Illinois Extension suggests September, or spring if fall gets away from you |
| At least 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes (fall division) | South Dakota State lists Shasta daisy among perennials to divide in fall and gives this cutoff |
Use our planting calendar to find your frost dates. Burpee says seed sown 1/8 inch deep at about 70°F sprouts in 15 to 21 days. Most seed-grown plants bloom in their second year (Almanac), but the Almanac says 'Snow Lady' flowers the first year from seed.
How to plant Shasta daisies
| What the sources say | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | Zones 5 to 9 (NC State, Illinois); 4 to 9 (Almanac) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (NC State); full sun to very light shade (Illinois); full sun for the best blooms (Almanac) |
| Soil | Average to dry, well drained and organic-rich (NC State). The Almanac loosens the soil 12 to 15 inches deep, mixes in 2 to 4 inches of compost and warns that very rich soil gives leaves rather than flowers |
| Hole and depth | Twice the pot's diameter, with the top of the root ball level with the soil (Almanac) |
| Spacing | 1 to 2 feet (Almanac) |
| Size | 2 to 4 feet tall (NC State); 'Becky' about 3 feet, 'May Queen' 18 to 24 inches, 'Snowcap' 12 to 15 inches (Illinois) |
The Almanac says taller plants may need staking. When dividing, South Dakota State keeps 3 to 5 leaves on each division and replants at the same depth.
Watering, feeding and deadheading
- Water about 1 inch a week when rain falls short (Almanac, Burpee); NC State calls established plants drought tolerant.
- Feed lightly. The Almanac adds compost and mulch each spring; Burpee uses a light, slow-release fertilizer and warns that high rates may encourage root rot.
- Deadhead for more flowers (NC State, Almanac, Illinois, Burpee).
- Divide every 2 to 3 years (NC State, Almanac); Burpee says every other year.
Shasta daisies in containers
NC State lists Shasta daisies for containers, and compact cultivars such as 'Snowcap' (12 to 15 inches, Illinois) fit pots best. Our reading is to use a pot with drainage holes, water when the top inch is dry and avoid saucers that hold water in winter, since winter wet is what kills them (GardenPal reasoning based on NC State and Illinois).
Fall and winter
- Cut back after frost. The Almanac cuts stems to 1 to 2 inches after the first killing frost, and Burpee removes foliage after a hard frost.
- Mulch after the ground freezes in cold regions, 1 to 2 inches deep (Burpee).
- Fall division should be done at least 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes (South Dakota State).
Pests and problems
NC State lists aphids, leaf miners and spider mites, plus verticillium wilt, leaf spot, powdery mildew and stem rot, and says some cultivars resist Phytophthora well. Illinois adds Alternaria and Septoria leaf spots, botrytis and caterpillars, and the Almanac mentions slugs, earwigs and chrysanthemum nematode. NC State calls Shasta daisies deer and rabbit resistant, and recommends gloves when handling them.
Shasta daisies around the vegetable garden
NC State says the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, and Shasta daisy is one of the daisy-family flowers in our guide to flowers that attract beneficial insects. Plant a clump at the sunny edge of the plot, where it also gives you cut flowers (our reading). Wisconsin pairs catmint with Shasta daisies; see when to plant catmint. Other summer neighbors include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, phlox and yarrow. For blue spikes beside white daisies, see when to plant veronica.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant Shasta daisies?
Potted plants go in during spring or early fall (Almanac). Indoor-sown seedlings go out after the last frost (Burpee).
When do I start Shasta daisy seeds indoors?
About 8 weeks before the last frost, covered 1/8 inch, at about 70°F; seedlings appear in 15 to 21 days (Burpee).
Will Shasta daisies bloom the first year from seed?
Usually not; direct-sown seed blooms the following spring (Almanac). The Almanac says 'Snow Lady' blooms the first year from seed.
When should I divide Shasta daisies?
Every 2 to 3 years in spring or fall (NC State, Almanac). For fall division, finish at least 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes (South Dakota State); Illinois suggests September.
Why did my Shasta daisies die after a few years?
Illinois says they can be short-lived and that wet winter soils shorten their life; NC State says they do not tolerate winter wet. Good drainage and regular division help.
Should I cut back Shasta daisies in fall?
The Almanac cuts stems to 1 to 2 inches after the first killing frost. Illinois also suggests cutting plants down in mid-September to stimulate new leafy growth.
Enter your frost dates to time indoor sowing, planting out and fall division.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Leucanthemum x superbum"
- The Old Farmer's Almanac, "Shasta daisies"
- University of Illinois Extension HortAnswers, "Shasta daisy"
- University of Illinois Extension, Ask Extension: "Shasta Daisy & fall mums"
- Burpee, "How to Grow Shasta Daisies"
- South Dakota State University Extension, "Dividing Perennials in the Fall"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.