The Best Time of Year to Plant and Grow Daisies

Daisies are some of the most forgiving flowers a gardener can grow, but timing still matters. Plant them when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild, and they settle in quickly and bloom well. Plant them in the middle of a heat wave or just before a hard freeze, and even tough varieties struggle. This guide walks through the main planting windows, how they differ for seeds and nursery plants, and how to adjust for your own climate.

Spring: the most common planting window

For most gardeners, spring is the safest time to plant. Wait until the danger of a hard frost has passed and the soil no longer feels cold and soggy when you squeeze a handful. Young daisy plants that go in at this point have weeks of mild weather to grow roots before summer heat arrives.

• Plant nursery-grown daisies after your area’s average last frost date.
• Sow seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed, or start them indoors several weeks earlier.
• Harden off indoor-grown seedlings by setting them outside for a few hours a day for about a week before planting.

Fall: a good option in mild climates

In regions with gentle autumns, early fall planting works well for perennial daisies such as Shasta daisies. Warm soil encourages root growth while cooler air reduces stress on the leaves. The plant spends the winter establishing itself and is ready to grow strongly the following spring.

The key is to plant early enough that roots can settle before the ground freezes. In colder regions, fall planting is riskier, and spring is usually the better choice.

Seeds versus nursery plants

Both approaches work, but they need slightly different care.

• Seeds: Many daisy seeds need light to germinate, so press them gently onto the soil surface rather than burying them deeply. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings appear. Our guide to growing daisies from seed covers this step by step.
• Nursery plants: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth the plant sat in its pot. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist for the first couple of weeks.

Know your daisy and your zone

“Daisy” covers several different plants, and they do not all have the same cold tolerance. Shasta daisies are hardy perennials in many temperate gardens. English daisies are low-growing and often treated as short-lived perennials or biennials. Gerbera daisies are tender and are grown as annuals or container plants in colder areas. Oxeye daisies are vigorous enough to be considered invasive in some regions. If you are unsure which one you have, our overview of popular daisy varieties can help.

Check the plant tag and look up your USDA hardiness zone (or your country’s equivalent) before planting. Local cooperative extension offices offer region-specific planting calendars.

Getting off to a strong start

Whatever the season, a few habits help new daisies thrive:

• Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.
• Mix compost into heavy or poor soil before planting.
• Water at the base of the plant rather than over the flowers.
• Add a thin layer of mulch to hold moisture, keeping it away from the stems.

Once plants are established, regular deadheading and occasional division keep them blooming. See our guide on how to care for daisy plants for ongoing care, or growing daisies in a pot if you are short on garden space.

Conclusion

For most gardens, plant daisies in spring after the last frost. In mild climates, early fall is also a strong option for perennial types. Match the timing to the specific daisy you are growing and to your local climate, and your plants will have the best chance to settle in and bloom for years.