The term “daisy” acts as a general category for several popular flowering plants, all characterized by their classic composite flower heads. The method of acquiring these flowers depends entirely on your intended use, whether for a temporary display or a permanent garden addition. This guide details the various places and methods available for purchasing daisies, from quick local purchases to specialized orders for planting.
Deciding Between Cut Flowers and Live Plants
The first decision a purchaser must make is whether they require cut daisy flowers or a live plant, as this choice fundamentally alters the best source. Cut flowers, such as the widely available Gerbera daisies, are typically sought for temporary home arrangements or floral designs. These blooms are prized for their immediate visual impact and are often grown in controlled commercial environments, making them readily available year-round.
In contrast, purchasing a live daisy plant, either potted or as seeds, is generally intended for longer-term display or landscaping purposes. Live options include popular varieties like the perennial Shasta daisy or the annual English daisy. Sourcing live plants is often seasonal, meaning the selection and quality will peak when they are naturally ready for planting in the garden. Starting from a live plant offers a greater chance of success for establishing a long-lasting perennial patch.
Immediate Purchase Sources (Physical Retail)
Several physical retail locations offer quick access to common daisy varieties for immediate needs. Local florists are an excellent source for high-quality, freshly cut daisies and customized floral arrangements. While often more expensive than other options, florists typically carry superior grade blooms and ensure the daisy stems are conditioned correctly for maximum vase life.
Grocery stores and supermarkets are the most accessible source for common cut daisies, frequently stocking affordable bunches of standard varieties like the Gerbera. These retailers also carry potted common daisies, such as the English daisy, especially during the spring planting season. The selection is generally limited to the most popular or commercially viable varieties that handle shipping and display well.
Big box stores and home improvement centers serve as a primary source for live plants intended for outdoor planting. These retailers stock large volumes of plants, including common Shasta daisies and African daisies, particularly from mid-spring through early summer. These locations cater to high-volume seasonal planting and offer the convenience of immediate purchase for large-scale garden projects.
Sourcing Specialized Varieties Online
When the desired daisy variety is not available locally, specialized online sources are necessary for unique or less common cultivars. Mail-order nurseries specialize in shipping high-quality live plants, often focusing on rare perennial types that local garden centers do not stock. This method is suitable for gardeners seeking specific traits, such as unique color variations or hard-to-find species.
For bulk planting or highly specific breeding projects, online seed retailers offer the widest selection of daisy seeds. These vendors carry everything from common wildflower mixes to unique, heirloom seeds. This allows the purchaser to grow a large quantity of a specific cultivar not available as a starter plant. This purchase strategy requires patience, as the seeds must be shipped and then grown.
National online flower delivery services offer a convenient way to send cut daisy arrangements remotely, bypassing the need to visit a local florist. This allows consumers to arrange for a delivery of common daisy types to recipients in different geographical areas, relying on a distributed network of fulfillment centers.
Timing Your Purchase: Peak Availability
Seasonality significantly influences both the selection and cost of daisies, particularly for live plants. The peak availability and best selection for live daisies, such as potted perennials, occurs from late spring through early summer. This timing aligns with the typical planting window in most temperate climates, making it difficult to source a healthy, robust daisy plant during the winter months.
Cut daisy flowers, due to commercial greenhouse production, remain available year-round. However, the price of these blooms can fluctuate based on market demand and logistical costs. Prices may increase around major floral holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.