Gerbera care

Gerbera daisy originally comes from South Africa, but it has become one of the most popular and sought-after cut flowers in the world. The genus was named by Dutch botanist Jan Frederic Gronovius in honor of German botanist and physician Traugott Gerber, although the reason for this remains a mystery.

The most well-known species of Gerbera are Gerbera jamesonii, Gerbera viridifolia, and their hybrid offspring, Gerbera hybrida.

As a potted plant, Gerbera is recommended for bright windowsills in living rooms and offices, or balconies, where it blooms for a long time. It is a perennial plant, blooming from summer until the onset of winter. In the past, greenhouses forced it to bloom by the end of winter, but now it is grown continuously throughout the year for flower shops.

Introduction to Gerbera

As graceful as the Gerbera daisy flower is, its foliage is equally "messy." The fleshy leaves form a basal rosette, with serrated edges, deeply veined, and hairy surfaces. Outdoor potted specimens may have leaves that tear in the wind.

Gerbera's elongated, deeply lobed or wavy-edged leaves form a basal rosette. Leaf size and shape vary by variety. Flowers grow on long, strong, hairy stems, which can reach 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) in height.

Its flowers are striking and daisy-like. Their colors vary greatly, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and various shades thereof. The flowers range from 3–6 inches (7–15 cm) in diameter, depending on the variety.

Interestingly, Gerbera daisy is also known for its air-purifying properties. It can filter harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

Gerbera has many common names, such as Gerbera daisy, Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy or Veldt Daisy.

Gerbera care

Gerbera daisy care: it is an extremely light-demanding flower and can tolerate even full sun. Planting and propagation are best done in spring. It needs well-draining, acidic soil to thrive. It loves warmth and must be protected from winter frost. It needs frequent watering and should be repotted every 1–2 years.

Light requirements for Gerbera

Gerbera daisy is a very light-loving flower and can tolerate full sun. Indoors, place it in the brightest window. In summer, it can be moved outdoors.

A protected, south-facing yard or terrace is ideal. Outdoors, place it where it receives direct sunlight; indoors, if temperatures exceed 77 °F (25 °C), shield it from harsh midday sun.

In hotter climates, protect it from scorching sun. In extreme heat above 86 °F (30 °C), its leaves and flowers may scorch. To prevent this, place it in a spot that receives shade during the hottest hours of the day.

Temperature Requirements for Gerbera

Gerbera daisy loves warmth. During the day, ideal temperatures range between 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), and at night between 60–64 °F (16–18 °C).

It can tolerate temperatures up to 86 °F (30 °C) during the day, but prolonged heat can cause it to wilt and hinder blooming.

In winter, it should be kept at no less than 50–54 °F (10–12 °C) with proper ventilation. It can be damaged or die in frost or extreme cold, as it is sensitive to freezing temperatures.

Since root and soil temperature also affect flower production, it's best to place the pot on a stone slab or black plastic in cooler environments to allow the sun to warm it from below.

Watering Needs for Gerbera

During the growing season, water your Gerbera frequently and add liquid fertilizer to the water every two weeks to promote abundant flowering.

Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but keep it consistently moist during active growth. In cooler temperatures, reduce the amount of water used.

Only water the soil—do not mist the plant. During watering, avoid getting the leaves wet.

During the dormancy period (between November and February), significantly reduce watering and avoid fertilizing. Water just enough to prevent the plant from drying out.

Fertilizing Gerbera

Proper care of Gerbera daisy involves understanding that it is a nutrient-hungry plant, especially during the flowering season. It prefers fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium, which support blooming. It also needs nitrogen, but too much of it may promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

From spring to autumn, fertilize every 1–2 weeks. In winter, reduce and then stop fertilizing altogether.

In spring, you can mix well-rotted compost or organic manure into the soil, or sprinkle granules onto the surface. However, do not fertilize immediately after planting or repotting – wait 2–3 weeks. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots.

Planting and repotting Gerbera

Repotting potted Gerbera daisy is recommended every 1–2 years. Additionally, during the growing season, repot if it outgrows its pot or the roots fill the soil completely. This 1–2 yearly repotting is best done in spring, just as new shoots begin to grow.

If planting it in the garden, spring is also the best time – after the frost has passed and new shoots appear. Space plants 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) apart to allow for growth and air circulation.

It requires nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. It prefers acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.

Keep potted Gerberas in partial shade for the first 2–3 weeks after planting, until they become established. After that, follow the care instructions mentioned above.

Wintering Gerbera

Gerbera daisy originates from South Africa, so it is a heat-loving flower. It needs protection during the cold winter months.

A veranda or conservatory with temperatures around 50–54 °F (10–12 °C) is suitable for overwintering Gerbera. Indoors, a room temperature around 68 °F (20 °C) is ideal. Place it in a bright location where it receives enough light, whether direct or indirect sunlight.

It is unlikely to survive frost in the garden. In such cases, it’s recommended to move the plants into containers or boxes. However, if you live in a region where the temperature rarely and briefly drops below 50 °F (10 °C) in winter, you can leave them in the garden.

Reduce watering as temperatures drop, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.

Pruning and maintaining Gerbera

Gerbera daisy doesn’t require pruning, but regular maintenance improves its appearance and health. Spent flowers should be cut back along with their stems to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from becoming exhausted.

Remove dead, yellowed, or damaged leaves regularly so the plant can focus its energy on healthy parts.

If the plant is older and blooms less, you can gently thin out the leaves in spring to stimulate new shoots.

Gerbera Blooming

Gerbera daisy blooms most intensively from spring to autumn, but with optimal care, it can flower year-round indoors. Gerbera produces daisy-like, large, colorful flowers that can be either single or semi-double in form.

To bloom, Gerbera requires a bright location and stable room temperature. It’s also popular as a cut flower due to its durability and decorative appearance. Cut flowers can last for 1–2 weeks.

Propagating Gerbera

The easiest way to propagate Gerbera daisy is by division in spring or autumn. Propagation from seed is also possible in spring, although it is time-consuming and may not produce plants identical to the parent.

Propagating Gerbera by Division

It’s best to divide Gerbera daisies in spring, when healthy and vigorous plants are just beginning to sprout. Repotting can be done at the same time.

For Gerberas in the garden, gently dig up the plant. Leave at least 4 inches (10 cm) of soil around the base and dig deep enough to avoid damaging the roots, so the plant can be lifted easily.

For potted Gerberas, the easiest method is to grasp the plant at the base, turn the pot upside down, and gently remove the plant. If it doesn’t come out easily, loosen the soil around the edges of the pot.

Shake off the soil from the root ball and carefully separate the plant and roots. You can divide it into more than two parts, but each section must include at least one stem and its corresponding root. If separation is difficult, use a clean, sharp knife to cut between the sections.

After dividing, replant Gerberas into separate pots or into the garden.

You can also root older shoots during the summer in a mix of sand and peat.

Propagating Gerbera from Seeds

If you'd like to grow more Gerberas, sow the easily germinating seeds in spring. (Seeds are available at larger seed stores.) The potting mix should consist of 80% peat and 20% sand.

Insert the pointed end of the seeds into the soil and sprinkle a light layer of sand over them – Gerbera daisy seeds require light to germinate. Keep the seed container at a temperature between 68–77 °F (20–25 °C). After 15–25 days, the seedlings will sprout, and once they reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in height, transplant them into individual pots.

Do not apply leaf-shine products to the plant’s fuzzy leaves, as they can cause unsightly black spots. Avoid wiping the leaves—instead, clean them gently with a brush.

Gerbera Diseases, Pests, and Causes of Decline

• The appearance of tiny white moths indicates the presence of greenhouse whiteflies. Treat Gerbera and other fuzzy-leaved plants with insecticide-impregnated sticks. Do not spray the plant directly.
• Overwatering combined with low temperatures may cause gray mold (rotting of densely grown leaves). Remove infected leaves and increase the temperature – making sure it doesn't exceed 70 °F (21 °C)—and use a fungicide.

Is Gerbera Toxic?

Gerbera daisy is a non-toxic plant, making it a safe choice for homes with small children and pets.