Gerbera is a beautiful flowering plant native to South Africa. It has gained popularity because of its unique shape and bright colors. This plant is also known as African Daisy or African Marigold. The flowers are usually white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, or combinations thereof. They come in various sizes from tiny to large. Gerbera daisies are hardy perennials that do best when planted in warm climates. They have long been popular garden flowers because of their attractive blooms and ease of care. Gerberas are also known for their ability to bloom throughout the season. They are often chosen as cut flower material due to their long flowering period. There are many ways to grow gerberas. Some gardeners prefer to start their plants indoors, while others prefer starting them outdoors. They require full sun and average soil conditions. Gerberas have usually grown annually, but they can be propagated yearly.
Where to Grow Gerberas
Gerberas like a sunny spot but don’t require a lot of water. They prefer slightly acidic soil so add some lime if necessary. If you live in a cold area, plant them outside in autumn and bring them inside at night.
How to Propagate Gerberas
Gerberas should be propagated every two years by dividing the roots into small pieces and replanting them in fresh compost. The new shoots will grow in about three weeks. Water regularly, but don’t let the leaves dry to keep gerberas looking healthy.
Gerbera Daisy Planting Guide
The best way to grow gerberas is to plant them in groups of three or four in large containers filled with rich, moist but not wet soil. They like plenty of suns, so place them near windows or under lights if necessary. Water regularly during dry spells and feed monthly with a high-potassium fertilizer.
Where to Plant
Gerberas grow best in sunnier areas but can tolerate some shade. They prefer a slightly alkaline soil pH of between 6.5 and 7.0.
How to Grow Gerbera Daisies Outdoors
The best way to grow gerberas outdoors is to sow seeds directly into individual pots or small containers filled with rich, moist potting compost. Gerberas like a sunny spot but don’t require special care once established. They prefer slightly acidic soil so if you live somewhere with high levels of alkaline dust, add some lime to your compost.
How to Grow Gerbera Daisies Indoors
Suppose you want to grow gerberas indoors, starting them in small containers before planting them into larger pots. Gerberas grow best in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, so it may not be suitable if you live somewhere cold. They don’t like frost but will tolerate light frosts. If you want to plant outside, sow seeds in trays at least 10cm deep in late winter or early spring. Gerberas take around three months to flower, so don’t expect any flowers until mid-summer.
Propagation
Gerberas should be propagated by dividing existing clumps or taking cuttings from new growth. To separate, dig out the cluster and gently tease apart the individual stems. Using sharp secateurs, the best way to take cuttings is to snip off a shoot just above a leaf node at ground level. Gently place it into a small container filled with moistened rooting hormone and keep it in a cool, shaded location until roots appear.
How to Grow Gerbera Daisies From Seed
Gerbera daisy seeds are small and easy to sow directly into seed trays or the ground. They like a sunny spot but don’t mind being shaded if it means getting some extra warmth. Sow two seeds per cell in a tray or hole 6cm deep and 10cm apart. Cover lightly with fine sand or vermiculite. Water regularly and keep moist. Gerbera daisies grow quickly and flower within six weeks.
Maintenance
Gerberas require regular feeding and pruning. Feed regularly throughout the year with a high-potassium fertilizer. Prune back all stems to within 1cm of the ground once a month. Remove any dead flowers, leaves, or branches. This encourages new growth.
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