Expert: C.L. Fornari - 8/8/2009

Question
I planted what I believe are shasta daisies last year.  Each season the come up healthy and green but soon start to yellow then blacken from the bottom up.  They do bloom but at the end of august and not very many flowers.  They are healthy enough to self seed throughtout the garden.  They are in full sun and planted in the ground...any suggestions?

Answer
Cindy,
Are they getting hit with water frequently? That can cause what you see. Even drift from lawn irrigation will do this on Shastas. The other thing that will cause it is just the opposite - drying in between waterings. If you have sandy soil, or don't water deeply when you water, the plant will dry up and will drop the lower leaves.  Always be sure to water with a soaker hose or sprinkler - don't hand water because people get bored long before the garden gets a good deep soaking. Water in the AM so that the foliage will dry out before night fall. If you fertilize, use an organic fertilizer in the spring - never apply synthetic liquid fertilizers with a hose sprayer as this can burn roots and foliage.  

Be sure those plants are in the sun as well - Shasta daisies need at least 5 hours including the noon hour and won't make many flowers if they aren't in enough sun.

I hope this helps!
C.L.