How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (2024)

Gerbera daisies are native to South Africa and part of the Aster family. The varieties that you'll find at nurseries and in seed catalogs today are hybrids bred for their vividly colored flowers. Gerbera daisies are divided into four classes: single flower, semi-double flower, double flower, and spider flower.

In warm climates, Gerbera daisies are grown as tender perennials that come back every year. In areas with cold winters, they are treated as annuals and planted in garden beds or containers after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.

Gerbera daisies establish themselves at a moderate pace, delivering their first flowers within 14 to 18 weeks and continuing to bloom throughout the summer.

Common NameGerbera daisy, Transvaal daisy
Botanical NameGerbera jamesonii
FamilyAsteraceae
Plant TypeHerbaceous, perennial
Mature Size10–18 in. tall, 9–12 in. wide
Sun ExposureFull, partial
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pHNeutral, acidic
Bloom TimeSummer, fall
Flower ColorRed, yellow, orange, pink, white
Hardiness Zones8–10 (USDA)
Native AreaAfrica

Gerbera Daisy Care

If you live in a climate where winters are cold and snowy, it is best to buy nursery-grown starter plants.

Although most varieties are also easily grown from seed, they are relatively slow to
develop, which narrows the window of their single-season growth period, unless you start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Otherwise, starting Gerbera daisies from seed is feasible only in warmer climates where they won’t succumb to the first fall frosts.

Here are the main care requirements for growing a Gerbera daisy:

  • Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade in the hot afternoon hours.
  • Plant Gerbera daisies in soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The crown of the plant should be about 1/2 inch above the soil line so make sure not to plant too deeply.
  • Water newly planted Gerbera daisies regularly. Give established plants about 1 inch of water per week and more in hot, dry weather.
  • During the winter, keep perennial gerbera daisies at a temperature between 45 and 50 degrees F.
  • Feed them monthly during the spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer.
  • Harvest your Gerbera daisies when the flowers are fully opened, but the center remains tight.
  • To keep Gerbera daisies blooming and showy, deadhead spent blooms.

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (1)

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (2)

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (3)

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (4)

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (6)

Light

Gerbera daisies thrive best under full sun but do not like intense heat. If you live in a climate that experiences particularly hot summers (or afternoons, for that matter), try to plant your Gerbera daisies in a location with afternoon shade. You should also avoid planting flowers near a structure that reflects heat onto the plant, such as a foundation or stone wall.

Soil

Start your Gerbera daisy bed with rich soil high in organic matter and well-draining. Gerbera daisies also like soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5—levels higher than this cause chlorosis, which manifests with yellow stripes on the leaves. Additionally, black spots or patches appear on the leaves if the pH level is too low.

Water

Gerbera daisies need regular watering, around 1 inch per week. Water only when the soil has dried an inch or two below the surface. These flowers may also need more frequent watering when first getting established in your landscape and during hot, dry spells.

Do not overwater this plant during the winter, as overwintered daisies go dormantand will only need light watering once a month during this phase.

Temperature and Humidity

Gerbera daisies grow best inUSDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, though they will need winter protectionin zone 8. In cooler climates, gardeners grow Gerbera daisies as annuals. The flowers prefer a cool (but not cold) winter temperature of about 45 to 50 degrees F. Gerbera daisy plants have no special humidity needs.

Fertilizer

The amount of fertilizer your Gerbera daisies need depends on the quality of your soil. During the spring and summer, fertilize the plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions. Alternatively, spread compost around the plants monthly.

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Types of Gerbera Daisies

  • ‘Terracotta’: Double-type Gerbera daisy flower with double yellow petals and a hint of peach surrounding its dark red eye
  • ‘Winter Queen’: Crested double Gerbera daisy with white petals and a black central disk or eye
  • ‘Giant Spinner’: Full-crested double Gerbera daisy flower with two rows of outer petals and two rows of inner petals; the first row of inner petals surrounds and covers the disk at the center

Pruning and Deadheading Gerbera Daisies

Like many flowers that are repeat bloomers, deadheading extends the blooming period. As the blooms wilt or fade and petals are about to fall off the flower head, deadhead or prune the flower stems to the leaves where they emerge.

Trim the dying bud off before it is prompted to go to seed. To keep your Gerbera looking tidy and encourage new leaf growth, pinch or trim shabby or older fading leaves.

Propagating Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies can be propagated from cuttings, divisions, or seeds. Both propagation form cuttings and division are best done in the spring or summer during the most active growth period of the plant. Dividing mature plants helps to keep them vigorous, maintains air circulation around the plant, and promotes flowering.

To propagate from cuttings:

  1. In the summer when there is plenty of new growth on the plant, take cuttings from the base or the side shoots using sterilized pruners. Have a new pot, fresh potting soil, and rooting hormone (optional) ready.
  2. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone to help the cutting develop a root system faster.
  3. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Keep it out of direct sunlight and water the cutting when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
  4. Once you see now growth and the cutting has rooted (gently wiggle the stem to test), move the pot to a location with full to partial sun. Keep it watered. Wait until the cutting has grown into a vigorous little plant before transplanting it into the landscape or a bigger container.

To divide plants:

  1. In the early spring, just as the new growth starts, dig out the entire plant with all of its roots using a shovel or a spade. Have a sharp knife, a new pot or pots, and fresh potting soil (optional) ready.
  2. Cut through the roots with the knife or spade, separating the root ball into two or more parts depending on its size.
  3. Replant each part at the same depth as the original plant, or in new pots with fresh potting soil.
  4. Water each division thoroughly and keep it watered until it is established.

How to Grow Gerbera Daisies From Seed

To grow Gerbera daisies from seed, start the seeds indoors approximately 12 to 18 weeks before the average last frost date in your region. Sowing seeds in peat orpaper pots is a good idea since Gerbera daisies do not like having their roots disturbed by transplanting

  • Press the seeds gently onto the top of your soil mixture, rather than burying them beneath it—they need light to germinate.
  • Cover your container or pots with plastic wrap or a lid to help keep the soil and the exposed seeds moist. Place the seeds in a warm, sunny spot (a temperature range of 70 to 75 degrees F is best) and wait approximately two to four weeks for germination.
  • Transplant your seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and harden them off before planting.

Potting and Repotting Gerbera Daisies

Gerberas should be repotted yearly or every two years in the spring before new growth begins, especially once roots crowd the pot. Select a pot one size larger than the current one with at least one large drainage hole.

Remove the daisy by turning the current pot over in your hand, supporting the root ball. Brush away excess soil, snip browned or diseased roots, and place the root ball atop of bed of about 3 inches of new soil and fill around the sides. The root ball should sit about 1 inch beneath the rim of the new pot. Water until water comes out of the drainage holes.

Overwintering

If you are gardening in USDA zone 8 to 10, cut Gerbera plants back to about 1 inch above soil level before the first expected frost. The plants survive the winter outdoors if protected with mulch up to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. In zones 6 or cooler, dig up your Gerberas after pruning, pot them, and move them to a brightly lit, cool room between 45 and 60 degrees F for the winter.

Common Pests, Diseases, and Problems

Gerbera daisies are easy to grow outdoors but susceptible to some pests and fungal diseases.

Common Pests

Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips all feast on Gerbera daisy leaves. They're attracted to stressed plants, so keep your plants in good health and monitor them regularly for signs of trouble.

Small populations are easily blasted off with a strong spray of water. To control larger populations, use insecticidal soap or natural horticultural oils like neem.

Leafminers may also infest the leaves which will show the telltale sign of tunneling. Remove any damaged leaves.

PestWhat to Look ForHow to Treat
AphidsSmall, pear-shaped bugs in a variety of colors (green, black, gray, brown, yellow, red)Spray with a strong jet stream of water
WhitefliesSmall, moth-like bug that is white-yellow with wingsInsecticidal soap
Spider mitesSmall moving dots, sometimes cannot be seen with the naked eyeNeem oil or insecticidal sprays
ThripsTiny, cigar-shaped bugs with fringed wingsTrapping or vacuuming, neem oil, insecticidal soap

Powdery Mildew

While unsightly, powdery mildew is mostly an appearance issue and rarely fatal to the plants. It does stress the plant, and severe or repetitive infections weaken it and make it prone to other diseases and insect damage. Use pruners to remove the portions of your plants that have visible powdery mildew on them. If the entire plant is affected, be assured that it will subside as the season changes.

Crown or Root Rot

The fungal culprit for crown or root is Phytophthora cryptogea, which causes stunted growth, affects flower production, and leads to leaf and stem wilt. The plant root appears rotted, brown, or black. If left untreated, the entire plant will die.

Crown or and root rot often affects the plants when their soil is wet. Make sure not to overwater and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. However, do not leave the plant unwatered for so long that they wilt and become drought-stressed.

Botrytis Blight

The fungal spores of Botrytis cinerea cause a velvety coating over infected flowers and leaf tissue. Other signs of gray mold are pock marks or brown spots on the leaf stalk and tan spots on flower petals.

To prevent it, ensure good circulation around the plant during high humidity periods and water the soil, not the flowers and leaves. To treat it, remove all infected parts of the plant. Apply a fungicide formulated to treat botrytis.

Iron Deficiency

Leaf yellowing on lower leaves or the yellowing of plant tissue between the green veins is usually caused by iron deficiency, which may also affect flower production. The deficiency is either caused by insufficient iron in the soil or fertilizer or by a soil pH exceeding 6.2.

Other factors that impede nutrient absorption are temperatures below 68 degrees F, soggy soil, and rotten or damaged roots, Check temperatures, soil moisture, pH levels, and root health to determine the cause. If needed lower the soil pH or add iron chelates to the soil. Avoiding overwatering.

How to Get Gerbera Daisies to Bloom

Gerbera daisies generally bloom for several weeks and will flower longer with these tips:

  • If the foliage is getting excessively bushy, remove some of the clustered centerleaves to let more light in.
  • Summer heat will often end Gerbera blooms early; consider moving them indoors in hot weather to sustain the flowers longer.
  • Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a high-phosphorus, bloom-boosting fertilizer.

FAQ

  • Can Gerbera daisies be grown indoors?

    While Gerbera daisies are often started indoors by seed, they'll do their best to grow long-term outdoors due to their need for ample sunlight and rich soil. Gerbera daisies are sometimes given in a pot as gifts, but they typically do not last long or bloom repeatedly.

  • Are Gerbera daisies easy to grow?

    Gerbera daisies are relatively easy to grow outdoors, though you will need to pay a bit of attention to their water, light, and soil conditions if you'd like to grow them successfully.

  • What is the difference between Gerbera daisies and Shasta daisies?

    Shasta daisies are a nursery hybrid of species native to Europe and Japan. Though the blooms are similar in appearance, some distinct differences exist. They bloom earlier in the season than Gerbera daisies and are generally more low maintenance.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Gerbera Daisy. Clemson University Cooperative Extension.

How to Grow Bright, Festive Gerbera Daisies in Your Garden This Spring (2024)
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