How to Grow Shasta Daisy Alaska

Shasta Daisy Alaska

Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Alaska'

flower

Shasta Daisy 'Alaska' is a classic perennial flowering plant featuring large, pure white daisy-like blooms with bright yellow centers that bloom prolifically throughout summer. This cultivar is known for its tall, robust growth habit and excellent performance as a cut flower. It's a reliable garden staple that brightens borders and provides long-lasting seasonal color.

Looking for a specific variety?

Alaska Becky Wirral Supreme Snow Lady Broadway Lights Esther Read

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Moderate water needs; water deeply 1-2 times weekly during growing season. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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

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Planting depth: Transplants at soil level; seeds sown on soil surface (light required for germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss aged manure perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with two cotyledons and first true leaves appearing; delicate appearance requiring protection

Provide bright light (not full sun initially), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, maintain temperature around 65-70°F

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Young plants developing multiple sets of narrow, lance-shaped green leaves; plant is bushy and establishing root system

Gradually harden off transplants before planting outdoors, pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness, water at soil level only

Pre-flowering

3-4 weeks

Plant reaches mature height (24-36 inches), develops sturdy stems, first flower buds begin to form at stem tips

Apply balanced fertilizer monthly, stake tall varieties for support, mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Flowering

6-10 weeks (June-August typically)

Large white daisy blooms with yellow centers open successively; multiple flowers per plant blooming for extended period

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, water consistently during hot weather, fertilize with low-nitrogen formula to support blooms

Post-flowering/Dormancy

Variable; overwinters as dormant root system

Blooming declines as temperatures cool, foliage begins to brown and die back; plant enters dormancy

Reduce watering, cut back dead foliage after first frost, apply winter mulch in colder zones, divide crowns every 3 years to rejuvenate

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

black-eyed Susan coreopsis lavender salvia catmint Russian sage coneflower yarrow

Avoid planting near:

fennel dill certain brassicas

Common Pests

Increase humidity and water spray on foliage, use insecticidal soap, prune affected leaves, encourage natural predators
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, reflective mulches, beneficial insects like ladybugs
Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur or fungicide spray, remove affected leaves
Remove infested leaves, apply spinosad, encourage parasitic wasps, avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Shasta Daisy petals are edible and can be used as garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. They have a slightly mild, slightly bitter flavor and add visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Shasta Daisies are outstanding cut flowers with excellent vase life lasting up to 2 weeks. They're ideal for fresh bouquets, floral arrangements, and wedding centerpieces. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Shasta Daisy has a long history in folk medicine traditionally used to support respiratory health and promote relaxation. The flowers have been used in herbal teas and poultices. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The bright, open flowers attract numerous pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]

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Dried Flower Craft

Craft

Shasta Daisies dry beautifully and can be used in dried floral arrangements, pressed flower crafts, wreaths, and potpourri. They retain their color reasonably well when dried. [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 flowers when blooms are fully open but centers still tightly yellow for best vase life (typically 1-2 weeks). Harvest in early morning when stems are hydrated. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in clean water. Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the season to promote continuous blooming and extend flowering period by 2-4 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Alaska' cultivar was selected specifically for its large, pure white flowers and vigorous growth, earning its place as one of the most popular Shasta Daisy varieties in American gardens.
🌱 Shasta Daisies were created in the late 1800s by plant breeder Luther Burbank by crossing the ox-eye daisy with Japanese daisy species, named after Mount Shasta in California.
🌱 A single Shasta Daisy plant can produce dozens of blooms over a 6-10 week period, and deadheading flowers can extend the blooming season by encouraging the plant to produce more flowers in an attempt to set seed.

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