Gerbera daisies, native to South Africa, are ornamental flowers known for their large, vibrant blooms. These plants do not spread aggressively using runners or stolons. Instead, they exhibit a tight clumping habit, slowly expanding outward from a central base.
Understanding the Gerbera Clumping Habit
Gerbera daisies form a dense, low-growing rosette of leaves from a single point known as the crown. The crown is the central growing point where the stems and roots meet. The root system is fibrous and compact, which is why the plant expands its size slowly in a centralized manner rather than sending out horizontal structures to colonize new areas.
This clumping growth pattern makes the Gerbera daisy non-invasive and easy to manage within defined garden spaces or containers. Over a few growing seasons, the original crown will naturally multiply into several smaller, adjacent crowns, causing the entire clump to increase in diameter. This gradual expansion can eventually lead to overcrowding, where the center of the original plant can become woody, less productive, and more susceptible to rot. Division is necessary to rejuvenate the plant’s health and flowering capacity.
How to Divide Gerbera Daisies
Division is a necessary practice to manage the size of the Gerbera clump and to prevent the central woody section from rotting. The best time to divide these plants is in early spring, just as new growth is beginning, or in the early fall. Dividing the plant re-energizes it by giving the new sections fresh soil and adequate space for root growth.
Preparing and Lifting the Clump
Water the plant thoroughly one to two days before division to ensure the roots are hydrated. Carefully dig up the entire clump, using a spade to cut a wide circle around the base to minimize root damage. Once the root ball is lifted, gently shake off the excess soil to expose the individual crowns.
Separating and Trimming Divisions
The mature clump consists of multiple crowns connected by roots, and you must separate these sections, ensuring each new division has healthy roots and at least one crown attached. If the crowns do not pull apart easily by hand, use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to slice through the connecting root mass. Trim off any dead roots and remove some of the older, lower leaves from the divisions to encourage new growth and reduce water loss.
Replanting
Immediately replant the divisions in their new locations, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation. Ensure that the crown of each section sits at or slightly above the soil line, which helps prevent the development of crown rot. Water the newly planted sections immediately and keep the soil consistently moist until they are well-established.
Environmental Needs for Robust Growth
A healthy environment is important for robust Gerbera clumping and flowering. Gerbera daisies thrive in full sun, ideally six or more hours of direct sunlight daily, though they appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. The soil must be well-draining, as these plants are susceptible to root and crown rot if they sit in overly saturated conditions.
Planting in loamy or sandy soil amended with organic matter helps provide the necessary drainage and fertility. When watering, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between applications, and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage and crown dry. Proper spacing of 12 to 18 inches between plants is also important for air circulation, which further helps in preventing fungal issues.