Alaska Shasta Daisy Seeds

One of the most famous European wildflowers, Shasta daisy Alaska is now naturalized in many parts of North America. Easily recognizable by their bright white petals and golden-yellow centre, this is the classic white daisy used for creating ‘’daisy fields.’’

Alaska Shasta daisy are a beautiful addition to any perennial garden as they will return like clockwork every spring. Drought-resistant and low-maintenance, Shasta daisy Alaska are vigorous growers that will bloom continuously from summer until fall.

The snowy white blooms average 3 inches in diameter and their long stem grows up to 2-3 feet tall, making them well-suited for bouquets. Adapts beautifully to container gardening. Try colouring your fresh cut flowers by placing them in water with food colouring for a unique look.

 
- Latin Name: Leucanthemum superbum
- Life Cycle: Perrenial
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Days to Maturity: Second-year maturity
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Growth Habit: 60-90 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Daisies are a classic perennial that are easy to grow and propagate. Their cheerful faces and upright posture make them an attractive addition anywhere in the landscape or garden. Just be mindful of their vigorous growing habit. They spread readily and can easily take over wild uncultivated areas.

Daisies can be started indoors or out. To get a head start, plant seeds in flats or individual pots of fertile soil six to ten weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds into the soil and barely cover. Move them to a sunny window and mist the soil, keeping it evenly moist. Thin the seedlings when they germinate. Plant plenty of seeds and keep the strongest contenders. After the last frost has passed, move seedlings outdoors to gradually harden them off until they’re ready for planting.

Daisy seeds can also be sown directly into the garden bed. Soil should be well-drained and fertile. Add compost to the bed to address both of these needs. Space seeds to their specified distance and plant a few in each spot. Don’t completely cover the seeds, they need light to germinate. Water well and thin after germination.

Daisies should be planted where they get full sunshine. They can adapt to partial shade, but it will compromise the potential for maximum blooms. Daisies will tolerate poor soil, but not soggy soil. Drainage is the most important factor to consider.

Compost or a balanced fertilizer can be used to feed the flowers throughout the year. While daisies do well in moist conditions, they can become drought tolerant after getting established. As long as they receive about 3 cm of water per week, daisies will produce their cheerful summer blooms. Daisies are capable of tolerating and adapting to various climates and temperatures. They are deer resistant and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.

As short-lived perennials, daisies should be replenished every year. In the early spring before flowers appear, or after flowers have faded in the fall, plants can be divided. This will produce more plants and keep their growth fresh and healthy.

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming later into the year. When flowers are finally killed by a frost, cut them back to a few centimeters above the soil.

Daisies are the epitome of a cut flower. Their symmetrical shape and classic look can last longer than a week in a vase. 

QUICK FACTS

- The name daisy traces its origin back to an old English phrase ‘’Daes eage,’’ which translates to ‘’day’s eye.’’ The term comes from the fact that daisies close their petals in the evening to reopen them again the next morning, thus making them the ‘’first eyes’’ to see the morning sun each day.

- Daisy seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.