How to Grow Chrysanthemum White Daisy

Chrysanthemum White Daisy

Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'White Daisy'

flower

White Daisy is a compact chrysanthemum cultivar featuring cheerful white petals with yellow centers, blooming prolifically in fall. This hardy perennial is widely grown as an ornamental for garden beds, borders, and containers. It's valued for its long vase life and reliable performance as both a garden plant and cut flower.

Looking for a specific variety?

Bright Golden Anne Mei-Kyo Feeling White Pomegranate Wine Peach Margaret Dark Yellow

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours preferred for optimal blooming

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Water at base to avoid foliar diseases. Reduce watering after flowering. Drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering promotes better blooms.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from planting to first flowers

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 5-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Young plants develop 2-4 true leaves and establish a small root system

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright indirect light; maintain 65-70°F temperature; thin seedlings to prevent crowding

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plants develop bushy foliage with increasingly dissected green leaves; stems elongate and branch

Pinch back growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness; repeat pinching until mid-summer (stop by late July); water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Small flower buds begin forming at stem tips as day length shortens; plants are fully leafed out

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase phosphorus and potassium to support flowering; maintain consistent watering; ensure full sun exposure

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Large clusters of daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers bloom profusely across the plant

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; water at soil level to keep flowers dry; support tall stems with stakes if needed; fertilize weekly with bloom formula

Dormancy/Post-Bloom

2-3 months

Flowers fade and drop; foliage may yellowing; plant prepares for winter or next season

Reduce watering after frost; cut back stems to 3-6 inches in late fall or early spring; provide winter protection in zones 3-5 with mulch; divide established plants in spring every 2-3 years

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedum Coreopsis Rudbeckia Salvia Ornamental grasses Echinacea Russian sage Asters

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Mint (can spread aggressively) Strongly aromatic herbs that may attract different pollinators

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; maintain humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray; improve air circulation
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove infected foliage; select resistant varieties
Remove infected leaves; improve sanitation; use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad if severe

Uses

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Edible petals

Culinary

Chrysanthemum flowers are traditionally used in Asian cuisine and herbal teas. The petals can be used to garnish salads or steeped for a delicate herbal beverage with mild, slightly bitter floral notes. [source]

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Herbal remedies

Medicinal

In traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, chrysanthemums are used to make soothing teas that may help reduce inflammation, support respiratory health, and cool excess heat in the body. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Household

White Daisy chrysanthemums are exceptional cut flowers with a vase life of 2-3 weeks. They are widely used in floral arrangements, bouquets, and funeral wreaths for their longevity and classic appearance. [source]

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Flower pressing and drying

Craft

The sturdy structure of chrysanthemum flowers makes them ideal for pressing between book pages or hang-drying for craft projects, potpourri, and dried flower arrangements that retain color. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

White Daisy chrysanthemums provide valuable late-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects when many other flowers have faded in fall. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when fully hydrated for longest vase life. Harvest when flowers are 75% open for maximum longevity. Cut stems at 45-degree angle above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves that would sit below water line. Change vase water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems. For garden display, deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming period by 2-4 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan and have been cultivated there for over 2,000 years; the flower appears on the imperial seal and one-yen coins.
🌱 White Daisy chrysanthemums are believed to symbolize truth and devoted love in flower language, making them popular choices for meaningful gift bouquets.
🌱 Chrysanthemums produce a natural insecticide called pyrethrin in their flowers, which is extracted and used in organic pest control products worldwide.

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