The Complete Gerbera Daisy Care Guide

The Gerbera Daisy is a type of daisy that originates in Africa. In the present day, they are cultivated all over the world and known for their bright colors and pleasant aesthetic. Most gerbera daisies that you come across today are probably a hybrid of Gerbera jamesonii and Gerbera viridifolia. Some popular varieties under the Gerber genus are the transvaal daisy and the lollipop gerber.

Gerbera daisies can reach from eight to 24 inches tall and the flowers grow from two to five inches across. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors and are commonly used as cut flowers in Easter bouquets. They come in white, yellow, orange and pink hues.

To help you grow these beautiful flowers, we have a complete guide on gerbera daisy care.

How to Grow Gerbera Daisy Plants Outdoors

When planting this type of daisy outside, it’s important to decide if you’re going to start with a seed or a grown plant. Seeds will take longer but are a cheaper option. A grown plant can be enjoyed immediately but may cost more.

How to Plant Gerbera Daisy Seeds

You’ll need to start your seeds indoors and then move them outdoors when they’ve sprouted and have the strength to weather the seasons. To begin, fill seedling trays with damp potting soil. Push the seed into the soil with the hardened end down and fuzzy side up until the top of the seed is just below the soil line.

Once you’ve filled the seedling tray, cover it with clear plastic and place it in a sunny location that will be an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the sun is a problem, consider using grow lights. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet.

When the seeds are grown and start sprouting leaves, transfer them to a pot and place outside in a sunny spot. After the plant has adjusted to the change in conditions, you can plant the bloom in the garden.

How to Plant a Gerbera Daisy From Division

If you already have a fully grown daisy plant you may want to divide the flowers to give them more room to grow. To do this, water the daisy plant with one inch of water a day or two before you plan to divide them. In the area where you’re planning on planting the new daisy, mix together about two inches of peat or compost with the top inches of ground soil.

Dig up your original gerbera daisy plant with a garden spade so that you can lift up the entire root ball (about 8 inches deep). Gently brush off the soil and cut through the roots with pruning shears. When dividing, be sure that each daisy division has a crown and healthy roots.

Replant the gerbera daisy division in the new area, making sure the crown of the plant is at ground level. Space the divisions 12 to 18 inches apart. Water with one inch of water and continue watering so that the soil is moist for a couple of months.

Gerbera Daisy Outdoor Care Tips

Deeply water your plants once a week.
Water in the morning so the soil can dry throughout the day.
Keep in an area with full direct sunlight.
Use micronutrient-rich plant fertilizer.
Be sure to trim the plant after the bloom starts to wilt to help new blooms grow.

How to Grow Gerbera Daisies Indoors

The gerbera daisy is a common house plant due to its bright and beautiful coloring. To grow them indoors, you’ll need a delicate balance of sunlight and moderate temperatures.

Although this variety of daisy requires bright sun to bloom, a spot on a windowsill may be too hot and end up scorching the leaves. It’s suggested to place it in a location that either gets bright light in the morning and shade in the afternoon or a place that has moderate sunlight all day.

Gerbera Daisy Indoor Care Tips

When the top soil feels dry, water the plant deeply.
Let the pot drain completely before returning the plant to its usual location.
Water at the base, keeping the leaves dry.
In winter, water sparingly.
During spring and summer feed the plant with regular fertilizer.
Remove any blooms that wilt to promote regrowth.
If the plant grows too big, repot in a larger pot.

Gerbera daisies are a popular flower for both the home and garden. They can also easily be cut and made into a stunning bouquet. Be sure to share the beauty by giving your friends and family a daisy bouquet to brighten up their home.

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