What is the Difference Between Daisy and Gerbera

Daisies and Gerberas are both attractive flowers from the same family.  These flowers have a similar structure and are very popular in floral arrangements and decorations. This is why most people can’t identify the difference between daisy and gerbera.

What is the difference between daisy and gerbera? Daisies are simple and classic with smaller flowers, whereas Gerberas are large and colorful flowers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Daisy  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Gerbera
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Daisy and Gerbera
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Daisy and Gerbera
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Daisy and Gerbera
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Daisy, Gerbera, Flower

What is Daisy

Daisies are simple and beautiful flowers that belong to the daisy family, or Asteraceae. The classic daisy is white with a yellow center, but there are other varieties with colorful petals. For example, African daisies (Osteospermum) can have purple, pink, orange, or yellow petals.  Some daisies, like the Shasta daisy, are larger with longer petals, while others, like the common daisy (Bellis perennis), are smaller and often grow in the wild.

Daisies are tough plants that can grow almost anywhere, from fields and gardens to roadsides. They prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil, but many types can handle poor conditions and still thrive. Most daisies are perennials. Daisies often represent purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are a popular choice for gifts and flower arrangements because of their fresh, cheerful look.

What is Gerbera

Gerbera daisies, also known as Gerbera jamesonii or Veldt Daisies, are vibrant and cheerful flowers native to South Africa. They are tender perennials, which means they can live year-round in warm climates but are grown as annuals in cooler regions. These flowers have bright, bold colors and long-lasting blooms. This makes them a favorite choice for gardens and floral arrangements.

Gerberas thrive in full sun, but they do best with morning sunlight. They grow to a height of 12–18 inches and prefer well-drained soil. To keep them healthy, water the plants at the soil level rather than on the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. These flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, pink, red, orange, violet, white, lavender, salmon, and even bicolored options. Although Gerberas are hardy only in USDA zones 8–10b, they do well in container gardens.

Similarities Between Daisy and Gerbera

1. Both belong to the Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy family.
2. These flowers have a classic daisy-like structure with a central disc surrounded by petals.
3. Both plants thrive in full sun.
4. They require regular watering.

Difference Between Daisy and Gerbera

Definition 

• Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a small, white flower with a yellow center, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is bright, colorful flower from the Asteraceae family, often found in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow.

Flower Size

• Daisies are smaller, with flower sizes ranging from 1 to 4 inches in diameter while Gerbera daisies have larger blooms, reaching up to 5 inches in diameter.

Petal Shape

• Daisy petals are narrower, more pointed, and less symmetrical whereas Gerbera petals are wider, flatter, and more symmetrical.

Color Range

• Daisies are typically white with a yellow center, though some varieties may have pink or red petals. Gerbera daisies, on the other hand, come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and even bi-colored or multicolored petals.

Propagation

• Daisies are easily propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in early spring or fall. Gerbera daisies are propagated through division or by seed. Division is more common due to the slow germination of seeds.

Maintenance

• Daisies are more drought-tolerant and require less fertilizer while Gerbera daisies are sensitive to overwatering and need regular fertilization for healthy growth.

FAQ: Daisy and Gerbera

1. Are gerberas and daisies the same?

No, gerberas and daisies are not the same. Although both belong to the same flower family, gerberas are larger, come in more colors, and have wider, flatter petals. Daisies are usually smaller with pointed petals and are mostly white with a yellow center.

2. How to identify a gerbera daisy?

You can identify a gerbera daisy by its large, vibrant flowers with wide, flat petals. The petals come in a variety of bright colors, and the center is typically round and dark. The center often contrasts with the petals.

3. What color is a daisy?

Generally, daisies have white petals and dark centers. However, some varieties of daisies have bright colors like red, pink, and purple.

4. What colors do gerberas come in?

Gerberas are available in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, white, peach, salmon, purple, violet, and lavender. Some varieties even feature bicolored or multicolored petals.

Reference:

1. “How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies.” The Spruce.

2. “Bellis perennis.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “White Daisy Flower” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Gerbera pink” By Sakurai Midori – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia