This classic perennial brings bright white flowers with a yellow center to flowerbeds, meadows, and along paths. Easy to care for and very prolific, these daisies readily naturalize, creating a rustic garden atmosphere while attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Though less known for its edible qualities, the daisy offers tender young leaves and flowers that can be added to summer salads, providing a delicate flavor and a touch of color. It is a hardy and versatile plant, ideal for wild gardens, borders, or naturalized plantings.

Where to Grow Edible Daisies?

Edible daisies grow well in zones 3 to 9, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They adapt perfectly to flowerbeds, meadows, containers, and borders, and can easily reseed for continuous naturalization.

History and Traditional Uses

Native to Europe, the daisy has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental and medicinal plant. It was traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly for wound care and digestion. Today, it remains a highly prized flower for its beauty and edible versatility.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8-9: Sow directly in fall or early spring for early blooming.
Zones 5-7: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer to establish vigorous plants.
Zones 3-4: Start seeds indoors in early spring or sow directly when the soil is workable.

How to Grow and Harvest Edible Daisies

Planting: Sow seeds 3 mm (1/8 in) deep, spacing plants 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) apart.
Watering: Keep the soil moist until plants are established, then water as needed.

Harvesting: Pick flowers and young leaves for fresh use in salads.
Allow some flowers to go to seed to encourage natural self-seeding.

Maintenance: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Tips for Seed Harvesting

Allow to flower and go to seed: Keep a few flowers until maturity so they form seed heads.
Harvesting seeds: When the heads become dry and brown, harvest them before they disperse.
Drying and cleaning: Separate the seeds from their husks and spread them on a cloth to dry completely.
Storage: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, they remain viable for up to 3 years.

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