Grow Gorgeous Gerbera Daisy Flowers in Your Garden

Botanical name:

Gerbera jamesonii

Common names:

Gerbera daisy, African daisy, Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy

Hardiness Zones:

8-11, usually grown as an annual

Height:

When grown as a annual, plants reach a maximum height of about 12 inches. When grown as a perennial, stems can reach up to 3 feet high.

Exposure:

Partial to full sun

Bloom time:

Late spring through fall; blooms last for several weeks

Flowers:

The petals come in almost every color, from soft pastels to zesty shades of orange and red. The center floral disk also varies and may match or contrast the petals. Flower heads range from 2 to 6 inches across and come in a variety of forms including single, semi-double, double, and crested double.

Foliage:

Slender, lobed, dark green leaves form basal rosettes, with the flowers rising above them on long, leafless stems.

Photo by: Iva / Shutterstock.

When to plant:

In late spring, after the danger of frost has passed.

Where to plant:

Gerberas grow best in areas that receive plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours a day), but they don’t like intense heat. In warmer climates, plant them in a spot that provides some afternoon shade.

Soil:

Plant in compost-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5). Good soil drainage is important to avoid crown and root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider growing your gerberas in containers with a high-quaility potting mix.

Growing from starter plants:

Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure good air flow, and place the crowns slightly above soil level to avoid crown rot. Water regularly until plants become well established, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help conserve soil moisture, but be careful not to cover the crowns.

Growing from seed:

Although it’s more convenient to grow them from plant starts, growing gerbera daisies from seed allows you to choose from a wider array of varieties and color combinations. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the soil has warmed in the spring, but you’ll enjoy blooms much sooner if you start the seeds indoors 12 to 18 weeks before the last frost.

The seeds need light for germination, so just press them lightly into the soil surface. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they have at least two sets of leaves. Depending on growing conditions, the first blooms will appear 18 to 24 weeks after sowing.

Use Gerbera daisies in annual garden beds and borders and in containers, either alone or mixed with other sun-loving annuals and perennials.

Also a good addition to cutting gardens, cottage gardens, and butterfly gardens.