FlowersGerbera Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii
Gerbera daisy is a colorful flower for borders and containers that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. In colder areas it is often grown as an annual.
How to grow gerbera daisy
Side by side
Pick two or three seeds to see how they grow, side by side: sprouting, spacing, sun, water, frost and pet safety in one table.

Comparing Gerbera Daisy vs. Lanceleaf Coreopsis
The comparison
| Fact | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Life cycle | Not yet verified | Perennial |
| Spacing between plants | 30–46 cm12–18 in | Not yet verified |
| Sun | Full sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Water | Moderate | Moderate |
| Containers | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Tender (no frost) | Not yet verified |
| Toxicity to cats | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Toxicity to dogs | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
FlowersGerbera jamesonii
Gerbera daisy is a colorful flower for borders and containers that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. In colder areas it is often grown as an annual.
How to grow gerbera daisy
FlowersCoreopsis lanceolata
Lanceleaf coreopsis is a bushy, clump-forming perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers. It likes full sun, handles drought and heat well, and is resistant to deer.
How to grow lanceleaf coreopsisKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.


Gerbera Daisy vs. Lanceleaf Coreopsis vs. African DaisyAdd african daisy as a third

Gerbera Daisy vs. Lanceleaf Coreopsis vs. African MarigoldAdd african marigold as a third

Gerbera Daisy vs. Lanceleaf Coreopsis vs. AgeratumAdd ageratum as a third
Gerbera Daisy vs. African DaisyGerbera Daisy against another flower
Lanceleaf Coreopsis vs. African DaisyLanceleaf Coreopsis against another flower
Gerbera Daisy vs. African MarigoldGerbera Daisy against another flowerThe table, row by row
Every row is a fact from each seed's own profile, lined up so the differences stand out.
Germination time and temperature
How many days the seeds take to sprout, and the temperature range they sprout in.
Sowing depth and spacing
How deep to sow each seed and how far apart the plants should grow. “On the surface” means the seed isn't covered.
Days to maturity and life cycle
How long until the plant is ready, counted from sowing or from transplanting (each value says which). Annuals live one year, biennials two, perennials longer.
Sun and water
Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun a day, partial shade a few hours. Water needs are rated low, moderate or high.
Containers, frost tolerance and soil pH
Whether it grows in a pot, with the smallest pot when it's known. Frost tolerance runs from tender (no frost) to hardy. Soil pH 7 is neutral.
Toxicity to cats and dogs
Whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick wins
Days from sowing until the first shoots appear, in good conditions.
Pet friendly
Listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Each seed's page has the details.
Not safe for pets: borage, buckwheat, caraway, carnation and 14 more.
Comparing
Each seed's page explains how to grow it from seed, with facts researched and reviewed by our editors.