When to Plant Daisies in Ottawa, ON – 2026
Published: April 27, 2026
Ottawa is in Canadian Zone 5b (continental inland). Last spring frost averages May 6; first fall frost October 6; the growing season runs about 153 frost-free days. Plant daisies in Ottawa from mid-may (cool annuals) or after victoria day (perennials)..
Daisies Planting Window for Ottawa, ON
Shasta daisies: transplant in early spring or fall. Annual daisies (Bachelor's Button, Swan River Daisy): direct sow 2–4 weeks before last frost. Oxeye daisy is perennial — plant in spring or fall. Most daisies self-seed freely once established.
For Ottawa, ON specifically, the recommended planting window is Mid-May (cool annuals) or after Victoria Day (perennials).. Ottawa Valley winters are harsh. Choose short-season tomato varieties under 70 days (Stupice, Sunrise, Sub-Arctic Plenty) and transplant only after the May long weekend. Fall garden extends the productive season into October with cold-tolerant greens and brassicas.
Shasta daisies are reliably hardy to Zone 3 in Canada. Oxeye daisy (the wild meadow type) is hardy to Zone 2 but considered invasive in some Canadian provinces — check before planting.
Best Daisies Varieties for Ottawa, ON
For Ottawa, ON (Canadian Zone 5b), choose varieties rated for your zone or one zone colder for reliable winter survival. The Canadian-bred or tested varieties below perform well in Ontario conditions.
Tallest Shasta cultivar (90 cm). Strong stems don't flop in summer rain. Excellent across all Canadian zones.
Compact (60 cm) classic Shasta. The standard for Canadian perennial gardens.
Pink, red, or white blooms with yellow centres. Source of natural pyrethrum insecticide. Reliably hardy in Calgary and Saskatoon.
Tender perennial — annual in cold Canadian zones. Use for container plantings only.
Native white daisy-form perennial. Spreads aggressively in moist Canadian gardens. Excellent ground cover for Prairie shaded sites.
How to Plant Daisies in Ottawa
Sow method: direct sow or transplant. The steps below adapt the general planting advice for Ottawa, ON's climate and timing.
- →Annual daisies: direct sow seeds 2 to 4 weeks before last frost when soil is workable.
- →Perennial daisies: transplant in early spring (after last frost) or fall (6 weeks before first frost).
- →Choose a site with full sun (6+ hours) — daisies in shade get leggy and bloom poorly.
- →Space Shasta daisies 45 cm (18 inches) apart; Oxeye 30 cm (12 inches); Painted 30 cm (12 inches).
- →Water consistently for the first month after transplanting; established daisies tolerate moderate drought.
- →Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period and prevent self-seeding (or skip deadheading to encourage naturalizing).
Frequently Asked Questions about Daisies in Ottawa, ON
When can I plant daisies in Ottawa?
Plant daisies in Ottawa from mid-may (cool annuals) or after victoria day (perennials). based on the city's Canadian Zone 5b. Last spring frost: May 6; first fall frost: October 6; frost-free growing season: 153 days.
What Canadian zone is Ottawa?
Ottawa is in Canadian Zone 5b (USDA equivalent 5a). The climate is continental inland. Ottawa Valley winters are harsh. Choose short-season tomato varieties under 70 days (Stupice, Sunrise, Sub-Arctic Plenty) and transplant only after the May long weekend. Fall garden extends the productive season into October with cold-tolerant greens and brassicas.
Are daisies winter-hardy in Ottawa?
Shasta daisies are reliably hardy to Zone 3 in Canada. Oxeye daisy (the wild meadow type) is hardy to Zone 2 but considered invasive in some Canadian provinces — check before planting.