Deadheading is the practice of removing spent, faded flowers to encourage a plant to produce more blooms. For the Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), a vibrant flowering plant native to South Africa, this maintenance task is highly effective at maximizing blooming potential from spring through fall. This process redirects the plant’s resources to developing new flower buds instead of producing seeds.
Why Deadheading Gerbera Daisies is Important
Removing fading flowers prevents the plant from using its energy to develop and ripen seeds. Biologically, a plant’s main goal after flowering is reproduction, accomplished by forming seeds, which demands a significant amount of stored energy.
By interrupting this cycle, deadheading signals to the plant that it has not yet successfully reproduced, prompting it to allocate energy toward generating new flower buds. This redirection of resources results in a more vigorous plant that maintains a continuous flush of its large, colorful flowers throughout the growing season. Without this intervention, a gerbera daisy will slow its flower production significantly after the first set of blooms fades.
Identifying Spent Blooms and Necessary Tools
A Gerbera Daisy bloom is ready for removal when its petals have started to fade in color or the flower head begins to wilt and droop. Ideally, this should be done before the petals drop completely, as the plant is already spending energy on seed formation once the flower has fully passed. The flower stalk, or scape, may also begin to soften or collapse.
To perform the task cleanly, use a pair of sharp, clean scissors or small pruning snips. Sterilize your tools before use, such as by wiping the blades with an alcohol-based wipe or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. This simple step prevents the potential spread of fungal diseases or bacteria between plants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deadheading Gerbera Daisies
The unique structure of the Gerbera Daisy requires a specific deadheading technique. Instead of simply snipping below the faded flower head, you must remove the entire leafless flower stalk, known as the scape. Carefully trace the spent stalk all the way down through the foliage to the base of the plant, which is called the crown.
The goal is to sever the stem as close as possible to the crown, right where it emerges from the main rosette of leaves. Use sharp snips to make a clean, angled cut at this point. Cutting the stem at a slight angle helps moisture to run off the surface.
Alternatively, some gardeners prefer to use a firm, sideways tug or snap to detach the stalk right at the crown. This method can work effectively but requires care to avoid damaging the surrounding foliage or the crown itself.
Leaving a short stub of the flower stem above the soil line is a common mistake that can lead to rot. The hollow or soft stem can collect water and introduce disease directly into the plant’s vulnerable center. Ensuring the entire scape is removed prevents this moisture collection and directs the plant’s resources to developing new, healthy flowers for a continuous display.
Post-Deadheading Care
Immediately after deadheading, support the plant’s new growth by adjusting its watering and feeding schedule. Gerbera daisies are highly susceptible to crown rot, so water them deeply but infrequently when the top inch of soil feels dry. When watering, always apply the water directly to the soil, taking care to avoid splashing the central crown of the plant.
To fuel the continuous production of flowers, apply a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season. Look for a balanced formula or one with a slightly higher phosphorus content. This nutritional support is necessary to replenish the energy reserves used for the continuous cycle of growth and flowering.