VIGardening blog
Gerbera Daisy Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing a Gerbera daisy:
- Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade in the hot afternoon hours.
- Plant Gerbera daisies in soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The crown of the plant should be about 1/2 inch above the soil line.
- Water newly planted Gerbera daisies regularly, and established plants about 1 inch of water per week.
- Feed them monthly during the spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer.
- To keep Gerbera daisies blooming and showy, deadhead spent blooms.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gerber-daises-4121360-03-eb711e4b9c814f1aac54c8528635f7db.jpeg)
Light
Gerbera daisies thrive best under full sun but do not like intense heat. If you live in a particularly hot climate, try to plant your Gerbera daisies in a location with afternoon shade. Avoid planting flowers near a structure that reflects heat onto the plant, such as a foundation or stone wall.
Soil
Start your Gerbera daisy bed with rich soil high in organic matter and well-draining, ideally with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5—levels higher than this cause chlorosis, which manifests with yellow stripes on the leaves. Additionally, black spots or patches appear on the leaves if the pH level is too low.
Water
Water Gerbera daisies around 1 inch per week, when the soil has dried an inch or two below the surface. During hot and dry spells or when getting established, water more frequently.
Only water Gerbera daisies lightly in the winter, since they are dormant during the cold months.
Temperature and Humidity
Gerbera daisies grow best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, though they will need winter protection in zone 8. In cooler climates, gardeners grow Gerbera daisies as annuals. The flowers prefer a cool (but not cold) winter temperature of about 45°F to 50°F. Gerbera daisy plants have no special humidity needs.
Fertilizer
The amount of fertilizer your Gerbera daisies need depends on the quality of your soil. During the spring and summer, fertilize the plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. Alternatively, spread compost around the plants monthly.
