The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.
Watering Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies need regular watering because their roots are so shallow. If they are in thin, poor soil they will dry out very quickly any may need supplemental watering every day or two in the heat of summer. If water deprived, they seem to wilt suddenly and dramatically. If they are planted in healthy soil rich in organic matter, they will manage fine if rainfall is normal. Water with a soaker hose system or dripping garden hose during droughty periods in high summer. Avoid overhead watering to prevent their stems from drooping or developing fungal disease. Keep daisies well mulched to prevent evaporation of moisture from the soil and to absorb maximum water from rains. For information on products see the file on Choosing Watering Equipment
Fertilizing Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies are heavy feeders because their roots are so near the soil surface. Fertilize in the spring by sprinkling about a tablespoon of a general-purpose slow-acting granular fertilizer on the soil around each plant for the rain to soak in. It will provide steady, consistent nutrition over many weeks as the plants mature. If you have planted daisies in containers with soilless potting mix, either mix slow-acting fertilizer into it when planting or be sure and fertilize with a dilute liquid general purpose fertilizer periodically when you water. For more information see the file for Fertilizers
Consider Plant Growth Activators
There are on the market a growing number of products that will help your plants become healthier, more drought resistant, more disease resistant, and even more insect resistant. These products are generally easy to use and not terribly expensive. If you want to give your plants some oomph, check out New Technology In Plant Growth Activators
Mulching
For shallow- rooted shasta daisies, mulching is essential. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of some organic material such as wood chips, shredded bark or chopped leaves from your yard on the soil over their roots. This mulch helps control weeds, conserves soil moisture, and keeps dirt from splashing up on the flowers during the bloom period. Over time it improves the quality of the soil as it gradually decomposes. In winter, after you have cut back dead stems, add another inch or so of mulch or loosely lay evergreen boughs over the dormant plants to buffer the soil against severe winter temperature fluctuations which cause it to heave and disturb plant roots. For more information see the file on Using Mulch
Pruning/Grooming
Shasta daisies are relatively carefree. Pinch back the tips of the stems of young standard types when they grow to about 6 inches to encourage bushiness. Flowers will be a bit smaller, but more numerous. Cutting off dead flowers will extend their bloom period. Cut back dead stems to soil level when they are finished blooming.
Staking
Standard size plants will produce flowers on tall stems that may need staking to support them in rain and wind. Insert stakes in the soil at the perimeter of the clump of daisies equidistant from each other. Then tie string from stake to stake in a supporting ring around the outside of the flowering clump. You may decide to criss-cross string back and forth between the stakes to form a matrix of string to loosely support the individual stems at the center of the clump so the plant looks more natural. For more information see the file Staking Flowers
Propagating Shasta Daisy
The easiest way to get more shasta daisy plants is to divide the established, overlarge ones you already have. Do this every 2 or 3 years, in early spring when they first begin to send up green shoots. Dig up the entire clump, exposing the roots. Carefully separate vigorously growing shoots from the outer portions of the clumps, taking care that they have roots attached. Discard older woody central parts of the clump. Plant the new rooted shoots as directed for new plants.
