Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow daisy

Grow garden daisies for cheerful pollinator flowers, sturdy perennial clumps, and dependable white, pink, and red cutting stems.

Check the species habitSow shallowlyDivide aging clumps
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Botanical illustration of Shasta painted and double white daisies
Plant groupSeveral generaShasta and painted types
Sow depthSurface to ⅛ inchCover barely
Germination10–21 daysSpecies dependent
Spacing12–18 inchesVariety dependent
BloomLate spring–summerOften year two

Flower profile

Use the variety name to guide perennial care.

The daisy category includes several related-looking plants with different species habits. Most prefer full sun, drained soil, and shallow sowing.

Expect first-year establishmentMany perennial daisies build roots and foliage before their strongest bloom. Judge the crop over more than one season.

daisy at a glance

From planting to a productive flower display

01Sow8–10 weeks early02Sprout10–21 days03Pot onTrue leaves04PlantAfter frost05EstablishFirst season06BloomYear one or two

Planting

Sow barely covered and grow cool and bright.

Press seed onto moist mix and use only a light covering. Transplant into sun after frost without burying the crown.

01

Cover no more than ⅛ inch

Keep the surface evenly moist.

02

Pot on after true leaves

Provide bright light and airflow.

03

Space 12–18 inches apart

Keep the crown level with the soil.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and flowers productive

Give full sun

Strong light supports sturdy stems.

Water deeply, then drain

Avoid a wet crown.

Deadhead regularly

Remove faded flowers.

Divide crowded clumps

Refresh declining centers as needed.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant’s visible progress.

10–21 days

Seedlings emerge

8–10 weeks

Plants fill pots

First season

Crowns establish

Year one or two

Strong bloom begins

Cutting and display

Cut when flowers are freshly open.

Harvest firm newly opened flowers before pollen sheds heavily. Strip submerged foliage and condition in cool water.

  1. Cut in the cool morning.
  2. Use clean snips.
  3. Deadhead regularly.

Urban Farmer selections

Choose a daisy form and color

Crazy Daisy product imageDouble white · perennialCrazy DaisyFringed double white flowers with a shaggy form.Checking availability…Shop Crazy Daisy →Shasta Daisy product imageWhite · perennialShasta DaisyClassic white petals and yellow centers.Checking availability…Shop Shasta Daisy →Painted Daisy product imagePink and red · perennialPainted DaisyBright rose and red flowers for sunny borders.Checking availability…Shop Painted Daisy →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Daisy growing FAQ

When should daisy seed be started?

Start 8–10 weeks before frost.

How deep should seed be planted?

Surface sow or cover no more than ⅛ inch.

How long does germination take?

Usually 10–21 days.

When will daisies bloom?

Many perennial types are strongest in year two.

Do daisies need full sun?

Most flower best in full sun.

How far apart should plants be?

Space about 12–18 inches.

Should daisies be deadheaded?

Yes, for a tidy extended display.

When should clumps be divided?

When flowering declines or centers thin.

Why are stems floppy?

Shade, rich soil, or crowding can weaken stems.

Can daisies be cut?

Yes, cut firm newly opened blooms.

Ready to plant?

Build a sunny perennial display with classic daisy form.

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