How to Grow Shasta Daisy 'Becky'

Shasta Daisy 'Becky'

Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Becky'

flower

'Becky' is a superior cultivar of Shasta daisy featuring large, pure white flowers with golden-yellow centers that bloom prolifically throughout summer. This improved variety is known for exceptional vigor, disease resistance, and longevity compared to standard Shasta daisies. It's a reliable perennial workhorse for gardens, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours preferred for maximum blooms

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Water: Moderate moisture; water deeply 1-2 times weekly when rainfall is insufficient. Drought-tolerant once established, but flowers larger with consistent moisture. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: Year 1: flowering begins 60-90 days from planting; full maturity in year 2

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Planting depth: Plant crowns at or just slightly above soil level; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost aged manure perlite or coarse sand for drainage avoid heavy clay

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7

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

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks after planting

New transplants produce basal foliage rosettes with limited flowering year one

Water regularly to establish deep roots. Remove early flower buds to encourage root and foliage development. Mulch lightly around base, keeping away from crown.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer

Vigorous growth of deep green, narrow, lance-shaped basal leaves forming a mounding clump

Allow natural growth pattern. In early spring, thin crowns if overcrowded or divide every 3 years. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Budding & Flowering

Early June through September

Tall stems (24-36 inches) rise from the base with unopened flower buds at tips; buds open into large daisy flowers

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Stake taller stems if needed in windy locations. Provide consistent water during bloom.

Peak Bloom

July through August

Maximum flower production with large, pure white petals surrounding bright yellow centers; plant appears covered in blooms

Continue deadheading. Cut flowers for arrangements early morning when fully open. Avoid overhead watering in humid climates.

Decline & Dormancy

September through March

Flowering slows in fall; stems become woody; foliage yellows and dies back after frost

Reduce watering in fall. Leave dried stems standing through winter for structure and wildlife shelter. Cut back to 2-3 inches in early spring after last frost, or in late fall after hard freeze.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Salvia Lavender Catmint Yarrow Delphinium Russian Sage Ornamental grasses Alliums

Avoid planting near:

Black walnuts (juglone toxicity) Fennel (allelopathic competition) Plants requiring heavy feeding in same location (compete for nutrients)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Avoid overhead watering in hot, dry conditions which promotes spider mites.
Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap or organic neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
and (Gastropoda)
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create barriers with coarse sand or crushed eggshells. Beer traps or copper tape around planting area.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or neem oil at first sign. Remove and destroy heavily infected foliage.
Remove affected leaves immediately. Avoid wetting foliage. Improve drainage. Apply copper fungicide if widespread.

Uses

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Edible flowers

Culinary

Shasta daisy petals are edible with a slightly bitter, grassy flavor and can garnish salads or desserts. Petals should be organically grown without pesticides. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Household

'Becky' is an excellent florist-quality cut flower with strong, long stems and long vase life. Popular for wedding bouquets, cottage arrangements, and fresh floral displays. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Daisy flowers have been used traditionally in herbal medicine teas and poultices to support wound healing and immune function, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The open-faced flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the summer, making 'Becky' valuable for supporting pollinator populations. [source]

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Dried flowers

Craft

Flowers dry well for dried arrangements and crafts when harvested at full bloom and hung upside down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. [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 in early morning when fully open for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut stems just above a leaf node at 45-degree angle. Harvest regularly to promote more blooms. For specimen flowers, cut when first petals have fully opened. Remove lower foliage before arranging.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Becky' was named in honor of a gardener and is an award-winning cultivar (Stokes Seeds All-America Selections) known for outperforming standard Shasta daisies in vigor and disease resistance.
🌱 Shasta daisies were hybridized by Luther Burbank in 1901 by crossing Chrysanthemum maximum with Chrysanthemum lacustre, and 'Becky' represents one of the modern improvements of his original work.
🌱 Unlike many perennials, Shasta daisies actually improve with age and can live 10-15+ years or longer in optimal conditions, often becoming more robust and floriferous as they mature.

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