Dividing Shasta Daisies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Shasta daisies are cheerful and easy-to-grow flowers that add beauty to any garden. Dividing them is an excellent way to propagate new plants, rejuvenate existing ones, and ensure vigorous growth and blooms.
Why Divide Shasta Daisies?
Dividing Shasta daisies offers several benefits:
- Increases the number of plants: Division is the quickest and most effective way to multiply your Shasta daisies.
- Rejuvenates the colony: Over time, Shasta daisy clumps can become sparse and leggy. Dividing them removes the woody, unproductive center and promotes new growth.
- Promotes vigorous growth and blooms: Dividing Shasta daisies encourages stronger root systems and more abundant flowering.
When to Divide Shasta Daisies
The best time to divide Shasta daisies is in autumn for spring and summer bloomers, and in spring for fall bloomers. This gives the plants time to recover from blooming and establish new roots before the primary growth season.
How to Divide Shasta Daisies
Materials:
- Spade or shovel
- Compost or manure
- Peat moss (optional)
- Mulch
Instructions:
- Cut back stems: Trim the spent flower stems to 6 inches from the ground to make the clumps easier to handle.
- Dig around the root zone: Use a spade to carefully dig 4-6 inches deep around the perimeter of the plant.
- Lift the clump: Dig under the root mass and gently lift the entire clump.
- Tease apart the clump: Gently separate the edges of the clump, dividing it into several smaller clumps. Each clump should have a good amount of healthy root.
- Discard the woody center: The center of the clump is often woody and unproductive. Discard it.
- Prepare the planting holes: Dig holes about a foot deep and 10 inches wide. Mix in compost, peat moss, or composted manure to improve soil quality.
- Plant the clumps: Place three to four stems per hole and backfill with soil. Water in well.
- Mulch around the plants: Spread a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, prevent weeds, and protect the roots from cold temperatures.
Tips for Success
- Divide Shasta daisies on a cool, cloudy day to minimize stress.
- Wait until the plants show signs of dormancy, such as leaf drop.
- Use a sharp spade to avoid damaging the roots.
- Water the plants deeply after dividing.
- Fertilize the newly divided plants in spring to promote growth.
Conclusion
Dividing Shasta daisies is a simple and effective way to propagate new plants, rejuvenate existing ones, and ensure abundant blooms. By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Shasta daisies in your garden for years to come.