Edible Daisy

This classic perennial flower that brings bright white blooms with yellow centres to garden beds, meadows, and pathways. These prolific and low-maintenance flowers naturalise easily, creating a charming cottage garden feel while also attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators.

A little-known edible, both the tender new leaves and blossoms can be added to summer salads, offering a delicate, fresh flavour and a touch of colour. These daisies are a hardy and versatile addition to any wildflower garden, border, or naturalised landscape.

Where Can You Grow Edible Daisy?
Edible Daisy thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It grows well in flower beds, meadows, containers, and borders, and can also be encouraged to self-seed for continuous naturalisation.

History and Historical Uses
Native to Europe, daisies have been grown for centuries as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Historically, they were used in herbal remedies for wound care and digestion. Today, they remain a beloved garden flower, offering both aesthetic beauty and edible versatility.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow in autumn or early spring for early blooms.
Zones 5-7: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer to establish strong plants.
Zones 3-4: Start seeds indoors in early spring or direct sow once the soil is workable.

How to Grow and Harvest Edible Daisy

• Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (1/8in) deep, spacing plants 15-30cm (6-12in) apart.
• Watering: Keep soil moist until established, then water as needed.
• Harvesting:
  • Pick flowers and young leaves for fresh use in salads.
  • Allow some flowers to go to seed for natural self-seeding.
• Maintenance: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

• Allow to Flower and Seed: Leave some blooms to mature and form seed heads.
• Harvest Seeds: Once seed heads dry and turn brown, collect them before they scatter.
• Dry and Clean: Separate seeds from husks and spread them on a towel to fully dry.
• Store: Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 3 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)