Growing Alaska Shasta Daisy Garden Seeds

Start Alaska shasta daisy seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before final frost date. Alaska seeds will germinate in 14-21 days. Once germinated, move to fluorescent grow light for 16 hours of light per day until two sets of true leaves have developed. Transplant Alaska seedlings to indoor container or pot and harden off if transplanting outside. For direct sowing, plant Alaska shasta daisy seeds 1/8 inch deep and 18-24 inches apart in average, medium-dry, and well-drained soil in full sun after the final frost. Shasta daisies can be susceptible to verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and stem rot. Cut back spent foliage, leaves, and blooms after flowering to prolong vitality and plant life into the summer. Shasta daisies will benefit from partial shade during severe summers. Alaska shasta daisies have no serious pests or diseases, but monitor regularly for aphids. Alaska shasta daisy seeds will mature in 75 days as 24-36 inch tall bushy uprights with an 18-24 inch spread of 4 inch classic white daisy blooms.

Shasta daisy is a hybrid selectively crossed and bred in 1890 by pioneering American horticulturist Luther Burbank. Burbank worked out of Sonoma County in California and named his new variety of white-petaled daisies in homage to the snow-capped peak of nearby Mount Shasta. Some of his most popular fruit and flower strains include the Fire poppy, Santa Rosa plum, Flaming Gold nectarine, and the White blackberry.