The Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is treasured for its large, vibrant blooms that bring a splash of color to gardens and homes. These showy flowers are popular options for both container gardening and flower beds. While the Gerbera Daisy is a rewarding plant, its beautiful appearance is maintained only through diligent care tailored to its specific needs. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward enjoying its consistent flowering display throughout the growing season.
Environmental Requirements
The successful cultivation of Gerbera Daisies begins with establishing the right growing environment, primarily focusing on light exposure. These plants thrive with bright light, requiring at least six hours of sunlight daily to support abundant blooming. Provide the plant with direct morning sun, but protect it from the intense, scorching heat of the mid-day and afternoon, especially in hotter climates, which can lead to leaf burn and stress.
The ideal temperature range for active growth is a daytime temperature of approximately 75°F (24°C) and a cooler night temperature between 54°F and 61°F (12°C–16°C). Gerbera Daisies are susceptible to frost damage and will not survive temperatures dropping consistently below 40°F (4°C). In cold climates, the plant must be brought indoors to a bright, cool location for the winter season or treated as an annual.
Soil structure is important for the plant’s health, as Gerbera Daisies are prone to root issues if moisture lingers around the base. The growing medium must be rich in organic matter but possess excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. A slightly acidic soil pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, is preferred. When planting, amending a standard potting mix with perlite or sand will significantly improve drainage.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
The technique used for watering Gerbera Daisies is important for preventing common fungal diseases. Adopt a “soak and dry” approach, allowing the top inch or two of the soil to dry completely before applying water again. Water the plant deeply in the morning so the foliage and surrounding soil have time to dry out before evening.
Always direct water to the base of the plant, ensuring that the central crown and the leaves remain dry. Splashing water onto the crown can lead to crown rot, a condition that quickly becomes fatal for the plant. During dormancy, significantly reduce the watering frequency, providing only enough moisture to keep the soil from becoming bone dry.
Gerbera Daisies are heavy feeders, requiring regular nutrients to sustain their long blooming period. During this active growth period, apply a water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a month. Use a balanced formula that is higher in phosphorus, which encourages flower production. Applying a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content will promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
Essential Maintenance Practices
Routine maintenance is necessary to keep the Gerbera Daisy healthy and maximize flower production. Deadheading redirects the plant’s energy away from seed formation and toward developing new buds. When a flower begins to wilt or fade, follow the spent bloom’s stem down to its base where it emerges from the main plant.
Snip the entire stem off cleanly at this point using a sharp, sanitized pair of scissors or pruners. Removing only the flower head without the stem can leave a decaying stalk, which could become an entry point for disease. Regularly inspecting and removing older or damaged leaves is beneficial for the plant’s health.
Removing yellowed or browning lower leaves improves air circulation around the plant’s base, which reduces the humidity that encourages fungal growth. If the foliage becomes excessively bushy, thinning out clustered leaves allows more sunlight to penetrate to the crown. This increased light exposure is directly linked to the initiation of new flower buds, ensuring a continuous display of color.
Addressing Common Care Issues
Gerbera Daisies can occasionally encounter problems that require prompt intervention. Several pests are commonly attracted to the tender foliage and stems, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These insects feed on plant sap, leading to distorted growth and a sticky residue called honeydew.
Small pest infestations can often be controlled by using a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects from the leaves. For more persistent issues, an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil provides an effective, non-toxic treatment. Ensure that any treatment is applied thoroughly, reaching the undersides of the leaves where pests often hide, and avoid application during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf burn.
The most common diseases are fungal, primarily crown rot and powdery mildew. Crown rot is a direct result of overwatering or allowing water to sit on the plant’s crown. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves, often due to poor air circulation and high humidity. Corrective action involves immediately adjusting the watering schedule and removing severely affected leaves to limit the spread of spores.
If the plant is grown as a perennial in a colder climate, it will naturally enter a period of reduced growth and blooming, or dormancy, in the winter. During this time, move the plant to a location where temperatures stay cool, ideally between 45°F and 50°F. Maintaining these cooler temperatures and significantly reducing water intake prepares the plant to reawaken when the active growing season returns in spring.