Care of a Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies thrive well in containers.

Throughout summer and into fall, gerbera daisies produce 4-inch flowers, each on its own leafless stem. The species blooms in bold shades of red, orange and yellow, and cultivars add pastel colors to the mix. They need a rich, organic, well-drained soil and prefer full sun in cool climates and afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. Gerbera daisies are tender perennials, well suited to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 10. They grow well as annuals or in pots that are brought indoors over winter in cooler zones.

Things You'll Need

• Mulch
• Pruners or scissors
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Apply mulch around the plants to help the soil hold moisture and keep the roots cool.

2. Water the gerbera daisies weekly when rainfall is less than 1 inch, especially during hot weather. Water slowly as long as the soil absorbs the moisture.

3. Clip out faded flowers to maintain the appearance of the plant. Clip the flower stems close to the ground.

4. Fertilize every six weeks while the plant is blooming. Use a complete fertilizer designed for flowering plants and follow the package instructions.

5. Watch for signs of mold and mildew. Gerbera daisies are susceptible powdery mildew, gray mold and other fungal diseases. Treat these diseases with a fungicide according to the label instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Gerbera daisies are susceptible to root rot in wet soils. If your soil doesn't drain quickly, plant gerbera daisies in raised beds or containers.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Gerbera jamesonii
• "The Flower Gardener's Bible"; Lewis Hill et al.; 2003
• "The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom"; Eileen Powell; 2004