Brilliantly colored flowers and deep green foliage make gerbera daisies a favorite for containers and garden beds. Their long-lasting blooms look great in the vase, too! Learn how to plant, grow, and care for gerbera daisies.
About Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are tender perennials that come back every year and are popular for their amazing colors. Sometimes called African daisies, the cultivars we buy from garden centers are commonly hybrids of Gerbera jamesonii and Gerbera viridifolia, and the tag will often display their name as Gerbera x hybrida.
While these flowers are perennials, they will only overwinter outdoors in the warmest zones. Most gardeners in USDA zones 8 and colder grow them as annuals or bring them inside to overwinter them indoors.
Gerbera daisies are quite short, with most plants reaching about 12 to 18 inches tall. They’re perfectly suited for the front of larger beds, as bright pots of color in containers on the deck, or as edging along sidewalks and paths. Breeders have developed gerbera daisies with single, semi-double, double, and spider blooms.
When choosing locations for in-ground gerbera daisies, pay attention to drainage. These flowers need a site with good drainage to avoid problems with crown rot. Perpetually damp sites can cause problems. Choose locations with full sun in northern climates and spots with afternoon shade in the southern US.
Gerbera daisies do best in slightly acidic soils, with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Fortunately, that’s the sweet spot for many other flowers and vegetables, so you won’t have to worry about the exact pH.
When to Plant Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies can be planted–or set outside–once the danger of frost has passed in spring. If starting them from seed, sow them about 10 weeks before your last frosts.
How to Plant Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies purchased as young nursery plants are super easy to transplant. Don’t forget to harden them off prior to planting outdoors.
Loosen the soil and add some compost or aged manure.
Dig a hole about as deep and a little wider than the current rootball.
Trim off any girdling or circling roots, and score the rootball if the plant is potbound to encourage new growth.
Place the plant in the hole, adjusting the depth so the crown is slightly above ground level. The crown is the point where the stem meets the soil.
Fill the hole with the soil you removed and tamp it in with your hands to remove any air pockets.
Water well and apply mulch.
Gerbera daisies are often repotted into larger containers instead of planted in the ground. If repotting, follow the steps above using a good-quality potting mix. Keep in mind the need to adjust the depth so the crown is just above the soil surface, not buried.
Growing
Gerbera Daisy Care
Gerbera daisies are a popular choice for gardeners due to their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. To keep these stunning flowers healthy and thriving, proper care is essential.
Light
Gerbera daisies thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They need a lot of light to bloom profusely, but too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can cause the petals to scorch. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. If growing indoors, place your daisies near a window, but avoid placing them in direct sun, as this can lead to leaf burn. If you’re growing them outside, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect for their well-being.
Soil
They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. To achieve this, a potting mix formulated for flowers or a mix that includes sand or perlite for added drainage is ideal. This helps prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.
Water
Gerbera daisies have moderate water needs. They prefer to have their soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made when caring for these flowers, as it can lead to root rot. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering. In general, provide weekly water if you haven’t received much rain. Gerberas will do well with an inch per week in most climates and soils. Those in pots will need more frequent watering.
Temperature
Gerbera daisies prefer moderate temperatures. They grow best in temperatures between 45°F and 50 °F (16°C to 24°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer conditions. They’ll need winter protection outside of zones 9 and 10
Fertilizer
Fertilizer container-grown gerbera daisies with a diluted fertilizer biweekly or monthly when watering. Those grown in the ground may not need extra nutrients if you added compost when they were planted. In the fall and winter months, when the plant’s growth slows down, you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing to once a month.
Pruning Daisies
When kept happy and deadheaded, gerbera daisies will continue to bloom right to the first frost. Prune any damaged or dead leaves using a clean pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, keeping them neat will prolong the flowering period.
Overwintering
Gerbera daisies in containers can be brought inside to overwinter. Those in garden beds can be dug up and placed in pots to bring indoors. To overwinter your plants, follow these steps:
Bring the flowers in before the first frost.
Store them in a cool location, such as an unheated basement or garage, where they won’t freeze.
Water only occasionally to keep the soil from becoming bone dry–don’t keep it as moist as it was all growing season.
Wait until all danger of frost has passed to set them out again in spring.
Propagating
Gerbera daisies can be propagated through division or by rooting leaf cuttings. Division is the easiest method, done by carefully separating the plant into smaller sections during spring, ensuring each division has healthy roots.
For leaf cuttings, take a healthy leaf and cut it into sections, then plant them in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the cuttings warm and moist until roots form, which typically takes a few weeks.
Types
Gerbera daisies come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the most popular varieties:
Revolution ‘Red Dark Eye’ is a modest-sized plant perfect for containers. The fiery orange-red blooms and dark center make the blooms stand out.
Garvinea ‘Classic Lydia’ is a luscious pink with deep yellow centers and long stems perfect for cut flowers. Large, deep green leaves form a nice mound.
‘Frosted Hot Pink Garden Jewels’ is a two-tone pink and white gerbera with yellow centers and deep pink petals tipped with white. This plant will grow about 12-14” tall and is slightly more cold-hardy than most gerberas.
The ‘Flori Line Maxi’ series of gerbera daisies are compact plants with sturdy stems, perfect for use as cut flowers. They are about 12” tall and available in a variety of colors.
Harvesting
Harvesting gerbera daisies is an easy process that, when done correctly, helps keep the flowers fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re cutting flowers for a vase or simply maintaining the plant’s health, the right technique can extend the life of both the flowers and the plant. Follow these simple steps for effective harvesting:
Choose the Right Time: Harvest your gerbera daisies in the early morning when the flowers are fully open but not wilting. This ensures the blooms are hydrated and fresh. Avoid cutting during the heat of the day, as flowers may be stressed and less hydrated.
Pull Rather Than Cut: Instead of cutting the stem with scissors, gently pull the flower stem from the plant. This helps to preserve the plant’s integrity for future blooms.
Cutting Stem At An Angle: After pulling the stems, cut at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for water absorption, keeping the flowers hydrated longer.
Water Immediately After Harvesting: Place the cut flowers in water immediately to prevent air from entering the stems. This helps the blooms stay hydrated and fresh.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your gerbera daisies for a longer period in arrangements or as part of your garden.
Gardening Products
Wit and Wisdom
Gerberas flower based on the amount of light the plant receives in its center. Prune excess foliage from the center to maximize light penetration and flower production.
Thanks to their brilliant colors and sturdy stems, gerberas are the world’s fifth most-used cut flower.
Pests/Diseases
Gerbera daisies, like many garden plants, are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their health and appearance. Being vigilant about pest control and disease prevention can help keep your plants vibrant and thriving.
Pests
Several pests can affect gerbera daisies, with aphids, spider mites, thrips, and leaf miners being the most common.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. This feeding can cause the leaves to yellow and curl.
Spider mites leave fine webbing on the plant, causing leaves to become speckled or discolored.
Thrips are slender insects that can damage flowers by puncturing the petals, leaving behind silver streaks and deformed blooms.
Leaf miners are another common pest. These larvae tunnel between the layers of the leaf tissue, creating winding, silvery trails. While not usually fatal, leaf miner infestations can weaken the plant and leave it looking unsightly. Regular inspection is key to catching these pests early.
To control these pests, inspect your plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or organic pest control methods. For leaf miners, removing affected leaves can help prevent the spread of larvae.
Diseases
Gerbera daisies are also prone to several diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. It thrives in humid, poorly ventilated conditions, so ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent it.
Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. It leads to the rotting of the plant’s roots, resulting in wilting and yellowing leaves. To prevent root rot, make sure gerbera daisies are planted in well-drained soil, and avoid excessive watering.
Andy Wilcox is a flower farmer and master gardener with a passion for soil health, small producers, forestry, and horticulture. Read More from Andy Wilcox