When Should Shasta Daisies Be Cut Down?

Shasta daisies are plants that grow up to 3-4 feet tall and have all-white petals, yellow disk florets, and glossy, dark green leaves. They are best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as this timing allows for the removal of dead or straggly growth. The top growth of Shasta daisies should be cut back once a year, depending on the growing zone.

In the spring, it is recommended to prune Shasta daisies down to about 6 inches to prepare the plants for a burst of healthy, new growth. As summer winds down and fall approaches, it is essential to prune them in the fall when plants are finished blooming. Cut the stems back to the base and wait until the first frosts have hit. Then, use clean and sharp pruners to cut the plants back to a 2 inch (5 cm) distance from the ground after the foliage has yellowed.

For all cultivars of Shasta Daisies, deadheading and cutting back in the fall or early spring are the only types of pruning needed. After flowering, cut off the spent stems at the base, leaving new growth at the bottom. Gardeners commonly prune their daisies during the summer to increase the number of blooms and keep the plant producing. Deadheading occurs when the flowers begin to fade, wither, or turn brown, and can be done with either a hand pruner or a sharp tool.