How to Grow Shasta Daisy Snowcap

Shasta Daisy Snowcap

Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap'

flower

Shasta 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.

Looking for a specific variety?

Snowcap Becky Tinytot Alaska Marconi Broadway Lights

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Drought-tolerant once established but performs better with regular watering during dry spells.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant to first blooms

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as container; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 4-8; hardy to zone 3

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny 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 weeks

Bushy 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 weeks

Buds 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 weeks

Abundant 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 months

Plant 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:

Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Salvia Lavender Catmint Yarrow Russian Sage Asters Zinnias

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Fennel (allelopathic/growth inhibiting)

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

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Edible petals and flower arrangements

Culinary

Shasta 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]

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Traditional herbal infusions

Medicinal

Shasta 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]

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Cut flowers and floral arrangements

Household

Snowcap'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]

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Pressed flowers and flower crafts

Craft

The 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]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect attraction

Wildlife

Shasta 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).

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