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 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 inches). They bloom in the summer.
Gerbera by The Pink Princess; creative commons.
When in bloom, they have flowers similar to those of daisies. The flowers may be yellow, red, or pink.
Three Gerberas by Teo; creative commons.
Some common varieties of Gerbera daisies grown in the garden include Barberton Daisy, Transvaal daisy, and African daisy.
Gerbera jamesonii (Barberton Daisy / Transvaal Daisy), photograph by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
Gerbera garvinea (Garden Gerbera), picture by Valleybrook Gardens; CC.
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.
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.
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.
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.