Gerbera Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gerbera plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Gerbera boast large, radiant flowers in a spectrum of colors. Their showy blooms not only uplift garden aesthetics, but also make excellent cut flowers for arrangements.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: African daisy Plants flourish in full sun with well-draining soil. Although they enjoy moisture, it's crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions.
- General Care: Water consistently, ensuring the base of the plant remains dry. Removing faded flowers can stimulate further blooming.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Gerberas are relatively easy to grow but will require some attention to watering and soil quality. Their captivating blossoms provide instant gratification, but be on the look out for aphids and spider mites.
Transvaal Daisy, African Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, & Barberton Daisy: Cultivation & Garden Use
Although members of the Gerbera plant genus are perennials, they are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.
Gerbera plant species range in height from 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) and bloom in the summer.
Gerbera by The Pink Princess; creative commons.
When in bloom, they have flowers similar to those of daisies and other Asters. These flowers may be yellow, red, or pink.
Three Gerberas by Teo; creative commons.
Some common varieties of Gerbera daisies grown in the garden include African daisy, Barberton Daisy, and Transvaal daisy
How to Grow Barberton, Transvaal, and African Daisies
It is best to start Barberton daisies and other Gerbera indoors when growing from seed.
Sow the Gerbera plant seed on the surface of soil, in peat pots, towards the end of winter.
Gerbera seeds should take from two to four weeks to germinate. Do so in the light, at a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees centigrade (70 to 75°F).
Transplant outdoors towards the end of spring. Use a spacing of about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches).
Ideally Barberton daisies will grow in a sunny area, though they will readily tolerate partial shade in hot climates.
The soil should be slightly acidic, rich and moist.
Caring for Gerbera plants in the Garden
Gerbera plant species such as African daisy and Barberton daisy are easy to grow and look after in the garden.
As they enjoy a moist soil ensure that they are regularly watered. They should be fertilized every 5 or 6 weeks to keep the soil rich and fertile.
To tidy up the plants it is a good idea to remove dead flower heads.
If you require more daisies then propagate Gerbera plants by taking cutting in summer, or by division in spring or autumn.
Commonly Grown Gerbera Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Gerbera jamesonii
Gerbera jamesonii (Barberton Daisy / Transvaal Daisy), photograph by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
Gerbera garvinea
Gerbera garvinea (Garden Gerbera), picture by Valleybrook Gardens; CC.
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Gerbera Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Transvaal Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Catherine's Daisy, African Daisy.Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm).
Native: South America, Tropical Asia, Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Yellow, white, pink, red, orange, brown. Two-lipped ray florets. Flower heads range from 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12cm). Although the flower head looks like a single flower it is composed of hundreds of tiny individual flowers.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Deeply lobed lanceolate.
Sow Outside: No
Sow Inside: Surface. Use peat pots. Germination time: two to four weeks in the light. Temperature 73°F (23°C). Water from below. Three months in advance. Transplant outdoors towards the end of spring.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade in hot areas. Soil pH 6 to 7. Rich soil. Moist soil. Fertile soils. Monthly feed. Winter mulch. Regular watering. Deadhead. Propagate: dividing or cutting in late summer.
Common Questions
How many members does the Gerbera genus have?
The Gerbera genus consists of around 30 species.
Do members of Gerbera make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Gerbera, known as Gerbera Daisies, are popular for their bright, cheerful flowers and are excellent for borders, containers, or as cut flowers.
Which Gerbera species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Gerbera jamesonii, the Barberton Daisy, is a commonly grown species known for its vibrant, large flowers.
Are members of the Gerbera plant genus fragrant?
Generally, Gerbera flowers are not particularly known for their fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Gerbera?
Gerbera prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Is Gerbera invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Gerbera is not recognized as an invasive species in the USA.
How do I remove Gerbera plants from my garden?
To remove Gerbera, dig out the plant, ensuring you remove as much of the root system as possible.
Summary
The Gerbera genus, often referred to as Gerbera Daisy, is a part of the Asteraceae family. Native to South America, Africa, and Asia, these plants are celebrated for their bright, large daisy-like flowers.
Plant Gerbera in spring, in a sunny location with well-drained, sandy soil. They require regular watering but avoid soaking the crown of the plant as it may lead to rot. Regular feeding during the growing season will support vigorous blooming.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gerbera plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asteraceae growing guides: How to grow Arnica montana, Bellis, Celmisia, and Solidago plants.
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