How to Make a Cut Shasta Daisy Last in a Vase

Shasta daisies have long stems that make them suitable for arrangements.

The radiating white petals and bright yellow centers make Shasta daisies a simple yet attractive choice for cut flower arrangements. These perennial flowers add punch to arrangements on their own or when combined with other blossoms in a vase. While cut flowers may seem like a fleeting beauty, you can extend their lives and enjoy them for more than a few days. A Shasta daisy can live as long as two weeks when the flower and its water is prepared properly.

Things You'll Need

• Vase
• Floral preservative
• Knife

Instructions

1. Fill the vase with water warmed to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Dissolve a packet of cut flower preservative in the water.

2. Strip the leaves off the Shasta daisy stem. These flowers have foliage only on the lower part of the stem.

3. Cut the bottom ½ inch of the stem off at a 45-degree angle, using a clean, sharp knife. Place the daisy in the vase of water immediately.

4. Place the vase in a cool room where the flowers receive bright, indirect light. Avoid areas with drafts from windows, doors or air vents.

5. Replace the water and flower preservative every two days. Use room-temperature water for each subsequent water change.

6. Remove daisies and other flowers from the arrangement as soon as the petals begin to wilt. Wilting flowers can speed up blooming and decay in the remaining flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cut your own Shasta daisies, choose flowers that have just begun to open for the longest life.

• Do not place cut flowers near apples or other ripening fruits. These fruits produce ethylene gas, which speeds up decay in the flowers.

References

• University of New Hampshire Extension: Cut Flowers
• University of Nebraska Extension: Extend the Life of Your Cut Flowers