Daisies, like many flowering plants, primarily reproduce through seeds or vegetative propagation. Store-bought flowers are typically cut blooms, meaning they lack roots and are often treated with preservatives to extend their vase life. From a plant biology perspective, growing daisies directly from store-bought flowers is challenging because the stems are detached from the parent plant and lack the necessary structures (e.g., nodes or roots) for regeneration.
If the store-bought daisies have been pollinated and developed seeds, it may be possible to grow new plants. However, most commercially grown cut flowers are bred for appearance and longevity, not seed viability. Additionally, hybrid varieties may produce sterile seeds or offspring that don’t resemble the parent plant. To check for seeds, examine the flower head (receptacle) after the petals wilt. If seeds are present, they can be dried and sown, but germination rates may be low.
While some plants can root from cuttings, daisies (Bellis perennis or other common species) are not easily propagated this way. The stems of store-bought daisies are often too mature or treated with chemicals that inhibit rooting. If you attempt propagation, select a healthy stem with nodes, remove lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. However, success is unlikely without rooting hormones and ideal conditions (e.g., warmth, indirect light).
Store-bought flowers are frequently treated with pesticides, fungicides, and preservatives to prevent spoilage. These chemicals can hinder root development or seed germination. Even if a stem appears healthy, residual treatments may disrupt cellular processes needed for propagation. Rinsing stems thoroughly may help, but it doesn’t guarantee success.
For reliable results, purchase daisy seeds or nursery-grown plants. Seeds from reputable suppliers are more likely to germinate, and young plants already have established root systems. Alternatively, divide mature daisy plants from a garden, as this method preserves genetic traits and ensures faster growth compared to store-bought flowers.
Cut flowers are physiologically detached from their nutrient and water supply, so their cells begin to deteriorate immediately. Without roots or energy reserves, they lack the resources to regenerate. Even in water, stems prioritize sustaining blooms over root growth, making propagation biologically impractical in most cases.
While growing daisies directly from store-bought flowers is theoretically possible if seeds are present, the odds are low due to hybridization, chemical treatments, and biological constraints. For guaranteed success, opt for seeds, seedlings, or division from healthy plants.
