Daisies are a cheerful group of flowers, known for their classic ray florets surrounding a central disc. Their affordability and widespread availability make them a popular choice for both floral arrangements and home gardening projects. The price a consumer pays for a daisy depends significantly on the form in which it is purchased. Costs vary considerably, whether buying them as fresh-cut stems, small packets of seeds, or fully established potted plants. Determining the final cost involves looking at the specific variety, the flower’s maturity, and the type of retailer selling the product.
Pricing for Cut Daisies and Bouquets
The price for cut daisies depends heavily on the specific variety chosen. The large, vibrantly colored Gerbera daisy typically commands a higher price than common types. A single Gerbera stem at a retail florist can cost between $2 and $4, with a dozen stems arranged into a bouquet often falling in the $25 to $45 range.
The classic white Shasta daisy is frequently used as a filler flower or sold in simple bunches at a lower price point. For large-volume purchases, wholesale bulk bunches of ten Gerbera stems may start around $15 to $20. Pre-made mixed bouquets at grocery stores often feature daisies as a secondary element, and these arrangements are typically priced much lower, frequently between $5 and $20.
Cost of Daisy Seeds and Potted Plants
For individuals interested in growing their own daisies, purchasing seeds offers the lowest initial investment. A small packet of common varieties, such as Shasta or African daisy seeds, generally costs between $2.50 and $4.00. These packets usually contain hundreds of seeds, making the per-flower cost negligible, though they require time and gardening effort to mature. For larger planting areas, bulk seed options can range from approximately $8 to over $20, offering better value per seed.
Buying potted plants provides immediate color and a higher rate of success, but the initial price is higher than for seeds. A small 4-inch pot of a blooming daisy, such as an annual Gerbera, can be found for $3.50 to $10, depending on the retailer and bloom count. Larger, more established perennial varieties like the Shasta daisy typically sell for $8 to $15 per plant at garden centers. While the cost per plant is higher than seeds, potted plants save the consumer several months of growing time and are ready to be planted directly into the garden or a larger container.
What Makes Daisy Prices Change
Several factors contribute to the fluctuations in daisy prices. Seasonality is a primary driver, as flowers are generally less expensive when they are naturally in peak season, typically spring and early summer. High supply during this time keeps costs down, while adverse weather or off-season periods cause prices to rise due to limited supply and the need for importation or greenhouse production.
The specific daisy variety also directly influences the price, separating common field varieties from specialized cultivars. Everyday varieties like the Oxeye daisy are less costly than hybridized types like the Gerbera, which is bred for large, uniform, and brightly colored blooms. For live plants, size and maturity are important pricing variables, with larger containers and established root balls costing more than smaller starter trays. For cut flowers, a longer stem length and a larger, fully developed bloom size will increase the retail price per stem.
Where to Buy and Cost Differences by Vendor
The point of sale creates a noticeable difference in daisy pricing, reflecting the services and quality offered by each type of retailer. Grocery stores and big-box retailers typically offer the lowest prices, often featuring basic daisy bouquets in the $5 to $20 range. These lower costs are achieved by purchasing massive volumes of flowers and offering simple, pre-packaged arrangements. The drawback is that these flowers may have a shorter vase life, often lasting four to seven days.
Local florists charge a higher price for their daisy arrangements, but this cost covers expertise, customization, and superior quality control. Florist bouquets use flowers that have been professionally processed and cared for, potentially extending the vase life to seven to ten days or more. Nurseries and garden centers are the best source for buying live daisy plants, with prices reflecting specialized horticultural care. Online retailers offer a wide variety of both cut flowers and seeds, but the final cost must include shipping fees, which can negate savings unless a large bulk order is placed.