Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Crazy daisy flower seeds

Choosing to grow this plant variety in your garden is a truly rewarding decision! ‘Crazy Daisy’ bursts forth with stunning white flowers, complemented by delightful yellow centers, typically ranging from 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter. What distinguishes this variety is the significant number of its blossoms that boast a captivating double layer, featuring quilled petals that give them a uniquely charming and fluffy appearance. It’s also affectionately known as Shasta Daisy, a fitting and whimsical name for such a joyful and vibrant flower that can brighten your spirits.

Growing and caring for Chrysanthemum leucanthemum ‘Crazy Daisy,’ or Shasta daisies, is a breeze. They’re not picky and will thrive in various soil types, even handling relatively moist clay soil without any issues. Regularly pruning the flowers is a simple task that rewards you with a continuous display of large, full, and pure white blooms. You won’t find a more resilient and low-maintenance flower. Their flowers also make a stunning addition to wildflower bouquets during the summer. With sturdy, tall stems and long-lasting blooms, ‘Crazy Daisy’ is a garden favorite that keeps on giving. Enjoy their beauty!

Planting information to grow Chrysanthemum Crazy Daisy from seed

Plant type: hardy perennial
Height: flowers grow 60 to 80 centimeters tall
Position: Will do great in full sun or partial shade
Sowing time: Autumn and spring
Bloom time: very dependent on the moment of sowing
Spacing: 30-40 centimeters between each plant
Germination: Takes 14 – 21 days in temperatures of 10-15°C, cold stratification helps speed up the process
Pinching: you can cut the tips of new growth in spring for a full and bushy growth with more flowers
Flowers: June to August, depending on the weather and moment of sowing
Pollinator-friendly: Yes, the open flowers are visited by bees
Recommended seed tray or pot: any small to medium-sized cell seed tray or pot will work
Level of difficulty: germination can be tricky but it’s very manageable
The package contains: 50 seeds

How to grow Crazy daisy from seed

Growing this lovely flower from seeds is easier than you might think! You don’t need to stress about finding the perfect spot to plant them. The simplest way to get your seeds going is by sowing them in September, either in a greenhouse or a module tray, but make sure they’re protected from heavy rainfall to avoid washing them away. The combination of warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights acts as a natural alarm clock for the seeds. You can also try sowing them in spring, but keep in mind that the temperatures are usually a bit cooler, so germination might take a bit longer.

You can mimic these temperature fluctuations to encourage seed germination by placing the seeds in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks before sowing them indoors. Another trick is to start them indoors and then move the module tray with the seeds outside for a few hours or nights. Once germination begins, you’re on the right track. When growing them indoors, make sure they get plenty of light. If your seedlings look spindly and don’t develop their true leaves, relocate them to a cooler, well-lit spot.

Once your seedlings reach a decent size, it’s time to plant them in a sunny spot. You might be tempted to plant them closer together than the recommended 30 to 40 centimeters – and that’s totally understandable. But trust me, I’ve made that mistake for you! These perennial plants start off slow but will grow much larger within a year.

Long-lasting and easy-to-grow cut flower

The best thing about these hardy perennials is their big, long-lasting flowers. In my opinion, they’re an improvement on classic daisies. The pictures truly don’t do them justice! You can pick the flowers when they start to open but before the pollinators pay a visit. Unpollinated flowers tend to last longer in a vase. On a warm summer day, the flowers might wilt, but if you put them in a bucket of water, they’ll perk up and continue to show their beauty for over a week. Enjoy your ‘Crazy Daisy’ blooms!