← Plant Guides

How to Grow Sunburst Daisy

Wikimedia Commons

Sunburst Daisy

Leucochrysum subundulatum

flower

Leucochrysum subundulatum is a delicate Australian native wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like blooms and fine, feathery foliage. It produces cheerful flowers that attract pollinators and is prized for cut flower arrangements and dried flower displays. This frost-tender annual or short-lived perennial thrives in well-drained conditions and full sunlight.

When should you plant Sunburst Daisy in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Sunburst Daisy timeline →

Example Sunburst Daisy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Sunburst Daisy

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Sunburst Daisy blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sunburst Daisy dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Low to moderate water needs once established; water during germination and establishment, then drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
📏
Spacing: 8-12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil; requires light for germination

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand Perlite Gravel Organic compost (minimal)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or indoors

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if Sunburst Daisy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Sunburst Daisy timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

10-14 days

Fine, delicate seedlings emerge with needle-like cotyledons and feathery true leaves developing

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F); thin seedlings to prevent damping off

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops increasingly feathery foliage with a mounding, bushy habit; no flowers yet

Reduce watering frequency; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; provide full sun to prevent leggy growth; fertilize lightly if needed

3

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Golden buds form at branch tips; first delicate yellow daisy-like flowers begin to open

Maintain consistent full sun exposure; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote more blooms rather than vegetative growth; continue moderate watering

4

Peak Flowering

4-8 weeks

Plant is covered with numerous bright yellow daisy blooms with thin, feathery petals; attractive to pollinators

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; reduce watering in humid climates; ensure excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues

5

Decline & Seed Set

2-4 weeks

Flowers fade and dry on the plant; seed heads develop; foliage may decline in appearance

Leave some flowers for seed production if desired; harvest dried flowers before full seed dispersal; allow self-seeding in suitable climates

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Statice (Limonium) Eryngium Gazania Diascia Nemesia Osteospermum

Avoid planting near:

High-nitrogen feeders Moisture-loving plants Dense shade-casting plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves

  • Increase humidity slightly; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe

  • Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray if necessary

Uses

🍳

Edible garnish

Culinary

Petals can be used as a colorful, mild-flavored garnish for salads and desserts. [source]

🏠

Cut and dried flowers

Household

Excellent for fresh bouquets and particularly prized for dried flower arrangements due to excellent color retention and long vase life. [source]

🎨

Dried floral arrangements

Craft

Ideal for wreaths, dried arrangements, and craft projects; flowers maintain their appearance for extended periods without water. [source]

🦋

Pollinator support

Wildlife

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and biodiversity. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in the morning when fully open but before peak heat; use for fresh arrangements immediately. For dried flowers, cut when blooms are fully open and dry upside-down in a cool, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks. Dried flowers retain their bright yellow color and are excellent for long-lasting arrangements.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Leucochrysum subundulatum is native to South Australia and thrives in Mediterranean-type climates with dry summers and mild winters.
  • 🌱 The flowers remain open in bright sunlight and close during cloudy weather or evening, demonstrating a classic circadian rhythm response.
  • 🌱 It is commonly cultivated in Australia as an ornamental and cut flower, with commercial cultivation for the floristry trade in several regions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Germination Perennial True Leaves
Shop Sunburst Daisy plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Sunburst Daisy planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Sunburst Daisy seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Sunburst Daisy timeline →