Planting Schedules for a Gerbera Jamesonii
The perennial Gerbera jamesonii grows 12 to 18 inch tall flowering stems. Each stem is adorned with a 4-inch flower that resembles a daisy. The Transvaal daisy, as it's also called, thrives in zones 8 to 10. It grows in a clumping fashion -- spreading up to 1 foot. Grow orange, yellow or red Gerbera jamesonii in the full sun to partial shade. There are specific times when you should plant and care for this type of flower. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan ahead if you wish to overwinter the gerberas. They have deep root systems, so digging them up to move indoors is difficult. Instead, consider putting containers in the garden and burying them up to the rim, so you can take them inside when the weather turns cool in the autumn. Use a container slightly smaller than the root mass because gerberas do well when they are somewhat pot-bound. Plant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. The optimal temperature for growing gerberas is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the USDA Hardiness Map to estimate frost dates.
-
2
Germinate Gerbera jamesonii seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the date of the last expected frost to give them time to grow strong before transplanting outdoors.
-
-
3
Move plants outside after the last frost date in your plant hardiness zone. The flower prefers deep, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Dig holes 1 foot apart to accommodate the plant's maturity size.
-
4
Keep the soil moist through the growing season but not soggy. The roots may rot in water-logged soil. Fertilize often throughout summer to encourage blooming.
-
5
Remove faded flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new blooms.
-
6
Overwinter potted gerberas in a cool, frost-free spot such as a garage or basement that features bright light. Water them just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out. There is no need to fertilize the plant.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
