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With hundreds of unique varieties and many colours, sizes & shapes to choose from, Gerberas have surged in popularity. Read on for more information about how to care for these cheerful blooms!
Gerbera daisies are fast becoming a staple in the floral industry. Gerbera originate from South Africa (Transvaal and Cape Province), where they were discovered by Scotsman, Robert Jameson in 1884. Gerberas are named after Traugott Gerber, who was a botanist. The Gerbera flower is from the Aster Family (alongside sunflowers). However, the Gerbera Daisies we see today are a result of hybridization techniques. A Gerbera Daisy can bloom as wide as 4 – 5 inches across.
Gerbera daisies can be grown from seed in both containers and garden beds. Most commercially grown gerberas are clones grown from tissue culture, which helps to ensure consistency in size, shape and colour. They will establish themselves at their own moderate pace and deliver their first flowers within 14 – 18 weeks and continue to bloom throughout the summer.
Gerberas come in a wide variety of colours, ranging from snow white to deep crimson, and even bicolour. Gerberas also come in different types and sizes, including micro gerbera like Piccolini®, Spiders, and pom-types. Because they are so versatile, Gerberas make great living décor!
When grown as a perennial indoors or in a warm climate, gerbera plants can live up to 2 to 3 years. The blooms will last approximately 2-3 weeks, but spent blooms can be removed to encourage the plant to rebloom again. Cut gerbera blooms can last on average 7 to 10 days. When grown outdoors in cold climates, gerberas are considered annuals because they will not survive freezing temperatures.
Follow this advanced care guide to help extend the life of your blooms.
Gerbera daisies need regular watering, about once every 3 to 5 days. Water only when the top of the soil has dried. It is best to water your Gerbera plants in the morning, moistening the soil that the plants grow in. Avoid getting water on the flowers. These flowers may also need more frequent watering when first getting established to its environment as well as during hot dry spells of weather. Do not over-water this plant especially during the winter as these daisies go dormant and only need a light watering during this phase.
Start your Gerbera Daisy in moist, rich soil high in organic matter that is well-draining. Gerbera Daisies also prefer soil that has a pH level between 5.5 pH – 6.5 pH. Levels higher than this can cause chlorosis which can cause yellow stripes on the leaves. If pH levels are too low, black spots or patches can also appear on the leaves.
Gerberas can be fed monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer that is formulated for indoor use.
Gerbera Daisies thrive best under bright light but do not like intense heat exposure. In mild climates or winter months they can tolerate full sun, but in warm climates and during the summer they prefer light shade. South and west-facing windows provide the most bright and direct light. East windows are good sources of bright and indirect light. North windows have the least sun exposure and are best for medium light. They need approximately six hours of sunlight per day and average, local temperatures.
Avoid temperatures above 70°F if possible, since heat may cause your Gerbera to stop blooming. The ideal temp for these plants is between 40°F – 70°F (4°C – 21°C).
Indoor growing tips
To grow the Gerbera Daisy indoors, you will need a delicate balance of sunlight and moderate temperatures. Although this daisy requires bright sun to bloom a spot on your windowsill may get too hot and end up scorching the leaves. It is suggested to place in a location that either gets bright light in the morning and shade in the afternoon or a place that receives moderate sunlight all day. It’s also best to keep your gerberas away from heaters, air conditioners and cold drafts.
Like many flowers that are repeat bloomers, Gerbera Daisies benefit from pruning and deadheading. Care should be taken to maintain and monitor the plant regularly throughout the growing process. Trimming off any dead or diseased leaves and fading blooms is part of this process. Stems with spent blooms should be removed with a sharp, sterile knife of scissors at the base of the plant.
Pests: Gerbera daisies are susceptible to common houseplant pests such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites andthrips. They are attracted to stressed plants, so keep your plants in good health and monitor your palnts regularly for signs of these pests or problems. Small populations of pests can be blasted off with a strong spray of water – while larger populations can be controlled with insecticidal soap or natural remedies such as horticulture oils like Neem. Leaf miners can also infest your plant and its leaves. Leaves that show signs of damage may be removed.
Common Problems: The flowers are prone to developing grey mildew, especially when under very damp conditions. The leaves become covered with mold/mildew, and it can infect the roots and stems.. When the flowers are infected with mildew, they develop brown spots, which tend to expand after the flowers are picked. Flowers may be left to dry to ward of grey mildew. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering the plants to prevent mold/mildew from developing.
Yes! The beautiful Gerbera Daisy is nontoxic to cats and dogs.
According to a NASA clean air study, the Gerbera daisy is one of the best natural air purifiers. This eye-catching flower can help remove harmful pollutants, like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor environments!
With their large, bright, showy blooms in a multitude of colours and petal shapes, gerberas most often represent cheer and happiness. Each colour of gerbera can have its own meaning as well, such as white for purity and innocence, yellow for friendship, red for love, and pink for grace and admiration.
We specialize in growing gerberas that are optimized for indoor enjoyment. Gerberas can be grown outside weather & temperature permitting, but should be gradually acclimated before being moved to an outdoor environment.
Yes, Gerbera daisies have the potential to rebloom and produce new flowers under the right conditions. With proper care, including regular watering, adequate sunlight, and occasional fertilization, Gerbera daisies can continue to bloom throughout their growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
Happy planting!