Growing Gerbera Daisies : A Comprehensive Care Guide

Brighten up your garden with eye-catching gerbera daisies! Learn the essentials for successfully growing and caring for these vibrantly colored flowering plants at home.

Gerbera daisies are beloved for their large, brilliantly colored blooms that seem to smile at you from the garden bed. With flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white, these cheerful plants add a burst of color and cheer wherever they’re grown.While gerberas are commonly found in florist bouquets and even potted as indoor plants, many gardeners are surprised to learn that these daisies can also be grown outdoors in the garden. With the right conditions and care, you can enjoy an abundance of these radiant blooms right in your own backyard.

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know to successfully grow gerbera daisies, from selecting the ideal variety to providing them with the proper soil, light and care. Let’s get started!

Here’s an easy chart for Gerbera Daisies:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Gerbera jamesonii
Common Name	Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy
Plant Type	Perennial (often grown as an annual in cooler climates)
Zones	8-11 (perennial), grown as an annual in other zones
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
Watering	Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Bloom Time	Spring to fall
Flower Color	Wide range: red, orange, yellow, pink, white, purple
Height/Spread	10-18 inches tall, 9-12 inches wide
Special Features	Long-lasting blooms, attractive to pollinators, available in many colors

Choosing the Right Gerbera Variety

There are hundreds of different cultivars of gerbera daisies to choose from, with flowers available in nearly every color except blue. Here are some tips on selecting the ideal variety for your garden:

Bloom Size

Gerbera blooms range from around 2 inches in diameter all the way up to a massive 6 inches across. Consider the scale that would look best for your landscaping or bouquet use. Larger blooms make a bigger impact but require more staking.

Bloom Type

There are both single and double-flowered gerbera varieties. Single flowers have one layer of long petals, while double blooms have multiple layers of ruffled petals in the center.

Height

Most gerbera cultivars grow from 12-24 inches tall, but there are dwarf and taller types available as well. Opt for shorter varieties for containers or borders and taller selections for cutting gardens.

Color

From classic yellows and reds to more unique peach, raspberry, and bi-color types, gerberas offer a rainbow of color options. Choose shades that complement your overall landscape design.

Some popular, easy-to-find gerbera varieties include:

• ‘Samson’ – Large 5-6 inch double red flowers
• ‘Dainty Nymph’ – Single peachy-pink blooms
• ‘Stanza’ – Bi-color creamy yellow and pink flowers
• ‘Sunburst Supreme’ – Profusion of 3 inch bright orange blossoms

Planting Gerbera Daisies

Getting your gerberas off to a good start is essential for establishing healthy plants. Here are some tips for planting:

When to Plant

Gerbera daisies thrive in warm weather and can be planted in spring once the danger of frost has passed. In hot summer climates, plant in early spring or late summer to avoid excessive heat.

Planting Site

Gerberas need full sun exposure, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require very well-draining soil amended with compost or other organic matter to improve texture and fertility.

Planting Seeds or Transplants

You can start gerberas from seed, but most gardeners have better success starting with potted transplants from a nursery. Look for large, healthy plants with plump buds about to bloom.

Plant transplants at the same soil depth they were growing in their containers, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.

Container Growing

Gerberas can be grown in patio containers, raised beds or traditional garden beds. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and provide consistent moisture for plants in containers.

Gerbera Daisy Care

With the proper growing conditions, gerbera daisies are showy garden plants that will bloom continuously. Here’s what they need:

Sunlight

As mentioned, gerberas require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. Morning sun is preferable to intense afternoon heat, which can cause leaves to scorch.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but never allow it to become waterlogged, as this leads to root rot and other diseases. Water deeply once the top inch of soil starts to dry out.

Temperature

Gerberas perform best in warm daytime temperatures of 70-80°F. They cannot tolerate freezing conditions and should be moved indoors or covered in climates that drop below 40°F.

Fertilizer

For optimal blooming, fertilize gerbera daisies every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength. Avoid overfertilizing.

Deadheading

Regularly removing spent blooms from your gerbera plants will encourage more buds to form. Simply snip off faded flowers down to the stem once they start to brown and wilt.

Dividing Plants

Gerbera daisies may benefit from being divided every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. Carefully dig up the clump in spring, separate it into segments, and replant the new divisions.

By providing the right combination of sunlight, water, temperature, fertilizer and care, your gerberas will thrive and bloom prolifically all season long.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

While generally healthy plants, gerberas can occasionally run into issues with common garden pests and diseases if conditions aren’t ideal:

Aphids

These small green, red or black insects feed on plant sap and congregate on new buds and leaves. Dislodge them with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.

Spider Mites

Hot, dry conditions can lead to infestations of these tiny spider-like creatures that leave plants speckled and webbed. Use a miticide spray formulated for gardens.

Botrytis Blight

This fungal disease causes browning of leaves and blooms and furry gray mold during extended wet weather. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Powdery Mildew

Appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, powdery mildew develops in shady conditions with poor air flow. Ensure adequate sunlight and spacing between plants.

Crown and Root Rots

Caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage, these fungal diseases lead to stunted growth and wilting. Adjust watering practices and provide better drainage.

The best defense is being proactive – grow gerberas in their preferred conditions of full sun and well-draining soil to avoid most pest and disease issues.

Harvesting and Using Gerbera Daisies

One of the biggest appeals of growing gerberas is being able to enjoy their vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Here are some tips for harvesting and using the flowers:

Cutting for Bouquets

Cut gerberas in the early morning before the heat of the day sets in. Use sharp pruners and cut stems at an angle, leaving at least 6 inches of stem attached. Remove any foliage that would sit below the vase waterline.

Drying Gerbera Daisies

Gerberas can be dried and used in crafts like wreaths and potpourri. Use the silica gel or air drying methods to best retain the flowers’ vibrant colors and shapes.

Growing as Cut Flowers

For prolific cut flower production, grow gerberas in a dedicated cutting garden space with well-amended soil and ample sunlight and water. Staking may be required.

With their delightfully cheerful blooms and array of vivid colors, gerberas are sure to brighten up any bouquet or indoor space where you showcase their long-lasting flowers.

Overwintering Gerbera Daisies

In cold winter climates, gerberas will need some extra protection to survive frosty conditions. Here’s how to prepare them:

Growing in Pots

The easiest way to overwinter gerberas is by growing them in containers that can be brought indoors when temperatures drop. Keep plants in a sunny spot indoors and water minimally.

Mulching

For in-ground plants, apply a thick 4-6 inch layer of insulating mulch like straw or shredded bark around the base of plants before the ground freezes. This protects the roots from extreme cold.

Cold Frame

A simple cold frame like a mini greenhouse can provide just enough protection to get gerberas through mild winter conditions in Zones 7-9. Ventilate well on warmer days