The daisy family is a large family of flowering plants. Some of the most commonly cultivated varieties include the Shasta daisy, common daisy and the Gerber daisy. When choosing the best daisy seeds, climate, growing conditions and the desired visual effect are all important aspects to consider. Most nurseries and plant sellers provide good quality seeds with high germination rates. As long as the seeds come from a reputable source, they should be viable.
The daisy family, or Asteraceae family, is large, with more than 19,000 species and 920 genera. The family includes the tiny common daisy, thistles, chamomile and the towering sunflower, but when purchasing daisy seeds for the garden, sunflowers will rarely be included in the selection. Local nurseries can be an important resource when trying to determine the best kind of daisy seeds to purchase. Online and mail order retailers also provide detailed information about the overall height, color and growth habit as well as the required climate and growing conditions for each type of daisy.
Starting with viable daisy seeds and a good propagation technique, germination occurs in seven to 30 days. An optimum germination temperature ranges between 70 and 75°F (about 21 to 23°C). The flowers bloom three and a half to five months after germination. Daisy seeds can also be sown in suit, which means directly into a prepared garden bed in spring after the last frost date.
The Gerber daisy is a commonly cultivated daisy that is ideal as a bedding plant in a sunny garden area, in patio pots or indoor containers, and as cut flowers. The large flowers grow 3.5 to 5 inches (about 9 to 12 cm) in diameter. Numerous cultivated varieties are available in an array of solid and multi-colored flowers. Careful inspection of the flower description will help in determining which are the best Gerber daisy seeds to choose.
The common daisy grows just 8 inches (about 20 cm) tall, making it an ideal ground cover in a flower garden or naturalized area. The small flowers have an egg-yolk yellow center surrounded by white petals. Once established, the common daisy self-seeds readily.
Shasta daisies look like the common daisy but are taller. The plants grow 2 to 3 feet (about 60 to 90 cm) tall in clumps up to 2 feet (about 60 cm) wide. The flowers have a yellow disk in the center surrounded by white ray-shaped petals. This sun-loving daisy grows well as a tall ground cover or in a border area. As cut flowers, they are long lasting in the vase.