How to Propagate Gerbera Daisies

Propagating plants is a great way to get free plants from family and friends. You can propagate to expand your own plantings as well. Many plants propagate easily. This article will explain how to propagate Gerbera Daisies, also known as African Daisy. Gerbera Daisies are easy to propagate and can be done one of three ways.

Things You'll Need

• Gerbera Daisy host
• Medium to plant seeds or rooted stem cuttings
• Location for your Gerbera Daisy

Instructions

1. Locate a Gerbera Daisy plant. The Gerbera Daisy should be in good health and not currently in bloom. Best time for propagation is in the fall when all blooming has completed.

2. Choose your propagation strategy. The Gerbera Daisy can be propagated by seed, rooted stem cuttings or crown division. The most common method for Gerbera Daisy is by seed. When propagating by seed, the new plant may differ from the parent plant. If you want a good replica of the parent plant, consider rooted stem cuttings or crown division.

3. To propagate by seed, first collect the seeds. You will need to germinate them within one to two months.
   * Plant the seed with the pointed end down.
   * Do not cover completely. The Gerbera Daisy requires direct sun.
   * Gerbera Daisy will germinate within 15-25 days.

4. To propagate by rooted stem cuttings, first prepare the rooting bed. This should be made of course sand, one part peat to one part perlite or one part peat to one part coarse sand. This allows the rooting bed to retain moisture but be well drained.
   * Locate a healthy stem at least six inches long with no buds.
   * Cut the stem using either a sharp knife or a sharp pruning knife.
   * Remove any leaves from the bottom 1/3rd to ½ of the stem.
   * Remove any flowers.
   * Place vertically in the rooting bed.
   * Keep moist. Cover with plastic, mist often.
   * Place in indirect sunlight.
   * Allow the stem to grow larger before permanent transplanting.

5. To propagate by crown division, you will need to split the Gerbera Daisy by the root system. The portion being split apart must have at least one bud. Only use crown division when the Gerbera Daisy is not in active growth. Using this method allows you to permanently plant the Gerbera Daisy immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Propagate several varieties for a full color show!

• Plant inside to keep year round.

• These are annuals unless in zones 8 or 9!

Resources

• How to Propagate Lucky Bamboo
• How to Propagate Grape Vines
• How to Propagate a Plant with Rooted Stem Cuttings
• How to Propagate Vinca
• Build a Hanging Plant Ladder