The hardy Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) was created in the 1800s by crossing the oxeye daisy with several wild daisy varieties. It was named after the snowy peaks of California’s Mount Shasta. Today, there are 69 unique cultivars of the Shasta Daisy, according to the Royal Horticulture Society. There are single-petal and double-petal types, and each cultivar has a different size plant. But they all have happy white flowers with yellow centers. These plants have thick, leathery, deep green foliage. In warm climates, the foliage is considered evergreen and will remain year-round.
The blooms of Shasta daisies attract butterflies and pollinators. It is best to plant these flowers in the early spring or summer, particularly in colder climates. If you plant Shasta daisies in the fall, they might not get established before the cold winter comes, which puts the plant’s survival at risk. Once established, they are vigorous growers and easily spread via rhizomes. They make lovely, long-lasting cut flowers. According to the ASPCA, daisies are toxic to dogs and cats.
With their bright white petals and cheery yellow centers Shasta daisies are a beloved flower for gardens. Their hardy nature and long blooming season from early summer to fall make them a versatile perennial.
Propagating shasta daisies through division, cuttings or seed is an easy, effective way to make more plants. This allows you to expand your daisy collection free of charge!
In this propagating guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to propagate shasta daisies using all three methods.
Overview of Shasta Daisy Facts
Before diving into propagation, let’s cover some key facts about growing these classic daisies
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Bloom time – Early summer to early fall. Large blooms up to 4-5 inches across.
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Plant type – Herbaceous perennial, Zone 3-8. Grows 12-24 inches tall.
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Care tips – Prefers full sun. Weekly watering. Divide clumps every 2-3 years. Deadhead spent blooms.
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Soil needs – Average garden soil. Well-draining. Neutral pH.
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Propagation methods – Division, stem cuttings, seed.
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Cultivars – Common varieties include ‘Becky’, ‘Crazy Daisy’, and ‘Alaska’.
Now that you’re familiar with shasta daisy plant basics, let’s go over how to make more plants!
Propagating Shasta Daisies by Division
Division is the easiest propagation method for daisies. Mature plants will naturally form expanding clumps over time. Dividing them keeps plants healthy and generates new plants.
Follow these steps to divide shasta daisies:
When to Divide
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Spring or fall are best. Avoid summer heat.
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Divide when clumps get overcrowded, usually every 2-3 years.
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Division in spring may delay flowering until later in season.
How to Divide:
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Water daisy clump the day before dividing.
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Dig up entire daisy plant with roots using a garden fork.
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Gently pull or cut the root mass into sections using your hands or a sharp knife.
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Each division should have 3-5 healthy stems and established roots.
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Replant divisions at the same level they were growing, 12-18 inches apart.
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Water well and remove any dead foliage. Add compost to planting holes.
That’s all there is to it! Divided daisies quickly establish and bloom the same season when divided in early spring. Fall divisions may take longer to settle in before flowering the following year. But either season generates free plants.
Rooting Shasta Daisy Cuttings
You can also propagate daisies by taking stem cuttings from an existing plant. Here’s how:
When to Take Cuttings:
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Spring and early summer are best. Avoid heat of mid-late summer.
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Use healthy, vigorous shoots around 4-6 inches long.
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Remove any flowers or flower buds. Keep 2-3 sets of leaves.
Rooting the Cuttings:
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Trim the stem right below a leaf node using clean shears.
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Dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional but boosts success).
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Stick into pots filled with seed starting mix.
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Cover with plastic to maintain humidity, or use a propagation mat.
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Keep soil moist but not soaked. Move to partial sun once rooted.
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Transplant daisy seedlings into the garden after 3-4 months once well established.
With proper care, up to 75% of daisy stem cuttings will successfully root. Taking cuttings lets you create many identical new plants from an existing daisy.
Growing Shasta Daisies From Seed
Shasta daisies grown from seed are not identical clones of the parent plant. But growing daisies from seed is fun to experiment with. Follow these tips:
Collecting and Storing Seeds:
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Allow daisy blooms to fade and go to seed in summer.
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Collect dried seed heads. Shake over a bowl or paper to catch seeds.
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Allow seeds to further dry for 1-2 weeks. Store in an envelope or jar.
When to Plant Daisy Seeds:
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Spring is ideal. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost.
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Or sow seeds directly in prepared garden beds once soil warms in spring.
How to Grow from Seeds:
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in seed starting mix. Cover trays.
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Germination takes 10-15 days at 65-70°F.
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Grow on seedlings for 8-10 weeks before hardening off and transplanting outside after frosts.
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Flowering from seeds likely won’t occur until the second year. Seedlings need time to mature.
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Not all seed-grown daisies will be identical to the parent plant. Enjoy new variations!
Saving and growing daisy seeds is fun to experiment with. But division or cuttings offer an easier way to duplicate proven daisy varieties you love.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If you’re struggling to propagate new shasta daisies, here are some common issues and solutions:
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Cuttings not rooting – Use a rooting hormone, provide gentle bottom heat of 70°F, and keep humidity very high by covering with a plastic tent or dome.
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Divisions dying – Make sure soil is kept evenly moist after transplanting. Water thoroughly when planting and provide partial shade for 1-2 weeks while establishing.
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Seeds not sprouting – Seeds have short viability and older seeds may fail to germinate. Try fresher seed. Also make sure seeded trays are kept evenly moist.
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Leggy or weak growth – Increase sunlight exposure once rooted cuttings or seedlings are established. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization which encourages leggy growth.
Don’t get discouraged! It often takes a few tries to get propagation techniques dialed in. Learning these skills helps make you a better overall gardener too.
FAQs About Propagating Shasta Daisies
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about propagating new shasta daisies:
Should I deadhead spent daisy flowers before propagating?
Deadheading is not necessary but can redirect the plant’s energy into root and foliage growth versus seed production.
Can I propagate daisies by planting a leaf cutting?
No, daisies cannot be propagated from a single leaf. Stem cuttings containing leaf nodes and shoots are required for new plants to form roots and growth.
How big should shasta daisy divisions be?
Aim for clump divisions with 3-5 healthy stems. Large, established roots will help them transplant and establish quickly. Divisions that are too small may be slow to recover.
Is fall or spring better for dividing daisies?
Spring divisions may Bloom later that season. Fall divisions often flower more prolifically the following year once well established. Either season can work!
How long do cut daisy stems need to be?
4-6 inches is ideal. Make sure to take cuttings from vigorous, healthy shoots and retain 2-3 sets of leaves on the cutting.
Can I grow shasta daisies from a leaf?
No, daisies cannot be propagated from just a single leaf. The stem cutting techniques described above must be used containing nodes and shoots.
Enjoy an Abundance of Daisies
With this propagation guide, you now have multiple techniques to create an ever-growing patch of cheerful shasta daisies!
Division is quick and easy even for beginners. And stem cuttings only take a little more time and care to root.
In no time, you can fill your garden borders, containers, and flower beds with beautiful, freely propagated daisies.
Overwintering
In areas with warm winters, Shasta daisy foliage can be kept as year-round greenery. For areas with cold winters, the Shasta daisy requires a bit of overwintering protection. Once the plant begins to fade in the fall, prune the foliage to near ground level. Then cover the plant with an extra layer of mulch to provide protection from the cold temperatures.
Light
These perennials love sunshine and thrive in full sun settings. However, Shasta daisy varieties adapt well to areas of partial sun and can tolerate a bit of shade. Keep in mind that plants grown in full sun will produce more blooms.