How to Grow Gerbera Daisies
The Gerbera daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii) is a perennial plant native to a South Africa; it is often referred to as African daisy. These brightly colored daisy-like blooms grow to 10 to 18 inches high and attract butterflies and bees to the garden. As a container plant, it adds striking color to the deck and makes an excellent cut flower with a vase life of two weeks or more. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a location that receives direct sunlight throughout the day and prepare the soil to a depth of eight inches. Remove any debris such as rocks or roots and add compost or well-rotted manure to the existing soil to promote good drainage and increase aeration. Gerbera daisies require well-drained soil and are susceptible to disease if planted in any area that does not drain well.
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Plant seeds between 10 to 20 weeks prior to the last frost. Plant the seeds with the pointed end down and do not cover. Gerbera daisies require light to germinate. Germination takes 15 to 25 days depending on the temperature of the soil. Transplant them to their permanent location once the danger of frost has passed.
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Purchase crowns or plants at your local greenhouse or from a seed catalog. Plant crowns slightly above the soil level to prevent crown rot. Firm the soil down with your hands and water thoroughly.
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Keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are established. Once established, water in the morning or late evening and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Apply water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength every 10 to 14 days throughout the growing season.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flower production. This tricks the plant into thinking it has not produced enough blooms and forces it to continue blooming.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Forest Purnell/creative commons
