How to Grow Shasta Daisy Snowcap
Wikimedia Commons
Shasta Daisy Snowcap
Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap'
flowerShasta Daisy Snowcap is a compact perennial cultivar featuring pure white petals surrounding bright yellow centers, perfect for borders and container gardens. This dwarf variety typically grows 12-18 inches tall and blooms prolifically from early summer through fall. It's a hardy, low-maintenance ornamental that attracts pollinators and provides long-lasting cut flowers.
When should you plant Shasta Daisy Snowcap 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.
Example Shasta Daisy Snowcap timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Shasta Daisy Snowcap
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Shasta Daisy Snowcap blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Shasta Daisy Snowcap dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 4-8; hardy to zone 3
Sign up free to see if Shasta Daisy Snowcap grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Shasta Daisy Snowcap timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves and delicate stems emerge from soil
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings to appropriate spacing once first true leaves appear
Vegetative
3-4 weeksBushy growth with multiple stems and dark green, finely divided foliage; plant establishes root system
Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 6 inches to encourage bushier growth; water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksBuds appear at stem tips; plant reaches mature height of 12-18 inches
Reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering over foliage; deadhead any early weak flowers to redirect energy; maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant white daisy-like flowers with golden yellow centers bloom continuously throughout summer and fall
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming; fertilize weekly with low-nitrogen bloom formula; maintain consistent watering
Dormancy
3-4 monthsPlant growth slows or stops in late fall/winter; foliage may die back to ground level in cold climates
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring; apply 2-3 inches of mulch in zones 3-4 for winter protection; withhold fertilizer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
-
Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately; avoid wetting foliage; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
-
Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected foliage
-
and
Remove by hand at night; use slug baits or barriers; encourage ground beetles and other predators
Uses
Edible petals and flower arrangements
CulinaryShasta daisy petals are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and beverages for visual appeal. The flowers add a delicate, slightly peppery taste to fresh culinary dishes. [source]
Traditional herbal infusions
MedicinalShasta daisy flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine to make soothing teas believed to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. The blooms contain compounds that may have mild anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdSnowcap's dwarf habit and prolific white blooms make it ideal for cutting gardens, vases, and floral arrangements. The compact plant produces abundant stems perfect for smaller bouquets and mixed arrangements. [source]
Pressed flowers and flower crafts
CraftThe flat, simple flower form presses beautifully for use in crafts, scrapbooking, and decorative projects. Dried Shasta daisy flowers retain their color and shape well. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect attraction
WildlifeShasta daisies are excellent nectar sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. The flowers support early and late-season insect populations when other nectar sources may be scarce. [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 stems are fully hydrated for longest vase life. Harvest when flowers are fully open but centers still yellow-bright. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and remove lower leaves. For continuous garden blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Shasta daisies typically last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water changed every 2-3 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Shasta Daisy was hybridized by legendary plant breeder Luther Burbank in the 1890s and named after Mount Shasta in California; it represents one of the most successful ornamental flower breeding achievements.
- 🌱 The 'Snowcap' cultivar is a dwarf selection bred specifically for containers and small spaces, making it more compact than standard Shasta Daisy varieties while maintaining the same prolific flowering habit.
- 🌱 Shasta daisies are actually composites—what appears to be a single flower is technically 50-100 tiny florets clustered together, with ray florets (petals) surrounding disk florets (yellow center).
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Shasta Daisy Snowcap planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Shasta Daisy Snowcap 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 Shasta Daisy Snowcap timeline →