If you flip through the dictionary searching for something charming, chances are you’ll stumble upon the delightful Gerbera Daisy. These flowers are not only bright and beautiful, but they also have the power to bring smiles to people’s faces. Gerberas can be used for various occasions, further enhancing their appeal.
However, if you decide to try your hand at growing outdoor gerbera daisies, be prepared for the process to take some time. It can take up to five months for these flowers to bloom, so patience is key. If you reside in USDA growing zones 9-11, you’re in luck because you can grow gerberas outdoors throughout the year. For those outside of these zones, it’s best to keep them in pots that can be brought indoors during the winter months.
Gerberas are not your ordinary daisies; they have impressive 4-inch blossoms with a central disk that can be bronze, dark, or yellow. This serves as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant colors that Gerberas are known for. While red, orange, and yellow are the most common hues, you can also find varieties in lavender, pink, salmon, and white.
But wait, there’s more! Gerbera Daisies come in a variety of flower types, including single flowers, semi-double flowers, double flowers, and spider flowers. Once you decide on the type you prefer, taking care of outdoor gerberas is quite simple.
Interestingly, there are 30 different wild gerbera species found in South America, Asia, and Africa. While they are native to these regions, gerberas can also grow well in other areas if the right conditions are provided. The flower was named after Traugott Gerber, a German Naturalist from the 1700s. Additionally, Gerbera daisies are also commonly known as African Daisies and Barberton daisies.
For healthy growth, Gerberas have a few specific needs that must be met.
Here are 6 important things to consider when caring for gerbera daisies:
1. Fertilizer: When pot planting outdoors, fertilize your gerbera daisies once they have reached the bottom of the pot. Look for a 15-16-18 liquid blend fertilizer and apply it every two weeks. Be cautious not to use too much nitrogen in your fertilizer as it may cause overgrowth of foliage. Remember that gerbera daisies bloom in two-week cycles, so don’t worry if they are not blooming continuously.
2. Humidity: Gerbera daisies thrive in high humidity and warm temperatures. This is why you often find a large number of these flowers in states like Texas, California, and Florida.
3. Light: Gerbera daisies love sunlight and produce the most flowers when exposed to high light intensity, especially in spring and summer. They require at least six hours of sunlight each day, but make sure they are not directly exposed to the sun at noon.
4. Soil: For optimal results, plant your gerbera daisies in an area with gritty and sandy soil. You can improve drainage by amending the soil. Excessive moisture can lead to crown rot, so it’s important to ensure the soil doesn’t retain water for too long.
5. Temperature: Wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting your gerbera daisies in the ground. These plants do not tolerate temperatures below 45F. Once they reach their full height, the ideal temperature range for gerbera daisies is between 68-73F.
6. Water: Water your gerbera daisies thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry before watering again. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases. Water your plants in the early morning. Be cautious not to overwater them, especially on hot days. If you are potting outdoor gerbera daisies, they may need slightly more water initially.
Tips for Vase Arrangements: Gerbera daisies are the 5th most commonly used flower in the world for floral arrangements, following roses, carnations, tulips, and chrysanthemums. Harvest the flowers in the morning when the stems are plump with water. Cut the ends of the stems at a 45-degree angle to prolong their vase life. A properly arranged gerbera daisy arrangement can last for 7-10 days.
Additional Care Tips: Before anything else, ensure that your soil is well-drained to avoid the risk of your daisies dying. Provide them with enough bright light to promote blooming, but be careful to shield them from the hottest part of the day to prevent damage. Avoid placing your plants near radiating heat sources like concrete or brick. During springtime, give your daisies enough space to grow by spacing them about 14 inches apart. Make sure the crown (the part where the stem meets the soil) is above the ground, and mulch around each plant to deter weed growth.
Toxicity: Gerbera daisies are not toxic to pets or humans, but they can cause stomach issues if ingested. Remember that these flowers are not meant for consumption.
Buyer’s Guide: When purchasing gerbera daisies, keep these care tips in mind to ensure you choose healthy plants.
When it comes to buying gerberas, there are some important things to consider. Firstly, look for gerberas with round flower heads and clean petals. Choose plants that have long, straight stems and vibrant green leaves. Don’t forget to inspect the underside of the leaves for any signs of pests.
Now, let’s talk about some popular gerbera varieties that you can buy:
1. Flori Line Maxi Yellow: This gerbera has beautiful sunshine yellow flowers that are 4 inches wide. It grows up to 12 inches tall and is a hardy producer.
2. Jaguar Pink: As the name suggests, this gerbera has elegant pink petals. The 3-inch flowers stand out against the vivid green leaves. It also grows to a height of 12 inches.
3. Karoo: This variety is a real eye-catcher with its cream and pink 5-inch flowers. The blooms look like they have been painted by an artist. It reaches a mature height of 18 inches.
4. Lisa: Lisa is a dainty gerbera with reddish-purple blossoms that are 2.5 inches wide. It grows to a height of 16 inches and has excellent heat tolerance.
5. Mega Revolution Orange, Dark Eye: This gerbera lives up to its name with its bright orange 5-inch wide flowers. It is 8 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
6. Sophie: If you’re looking for a landscaping plant, Sophie is a great choice. It grows to about a foot tall and has 2.5-inch flowers with red petals and a bright yellow center.
7. Sweet Honey: This gerbera has amber-orange flowers that are 3.5 inches wide, reminiscent of fall. It grows up to 13 inches tall and blooms continuously.
8. Sweet Memories: With its semi-double coral-pink blossoms, Sweet Memories is a standout gerbera. It reaches a mature height of 18 inches.
9. Sweet Smile: This variety features golden-yellow 3.5-inch wide flowers against lime green leaves. It flowers from spring to autumn and grows to a height of 14 inches.
10. Sweet Surprise: Sweet Surprise is an easy-to-grow gerbera with lavender to dark purple 3.5-inch flowers. It grows up to 12 inches tall.
11. Volcanos: This gerbera boasts blazing orange 4.5-inch flowers and reaches a height of 18 inches when fully mature.
Gerbera daisies symbolize purity, cheer, innocence, and beauty. In the Victorian Language of Flowers, they also represent loyalty and the ability to keep a secret. In Celtic tradition, gerbera daisies are said to reduce anxiety and sadness in daily life. The Egyptians associate them with having a close relationship with nature and devotion to the sun.
When it comes to watering outdoor gerberas, it’s important to water thoroughly every three to five days during an average season. Only water if the top of the soil is dry, and be careful not to get droplets on the flowers. During the winter, gerberas don’t require much water. Make sure the soil has good drainage to avoid overwatering. Water gerberas in the morning, and increase watering to twice a week when temperatures reach 85F or higher. To check the moisture level, do a finger test by inserting your finger into the soil. If it’s muddy, hold off on watering. Otherwise, water at the base of the stems.
If you want to create a meaningful bouquet or arrangement with gerberas, you can use the symbolism of their colors as a guide. Pink represents grace, strength, gentility, and admiration. Red gerberas symbolize being surrounded by love. White gerberas represent innocence, making them a popular choice for gifts to families with a new child and in wedding bouquets. Finally, yellow gerberas symbolize fast friendship and joy, making them a great choice for birthday arrangements.
When it comes to potting and repotting gerberas, make sure to choose a pot with good drainage. Use well-draining potting soil and water thoroughly after repotting. Keep the plant in a location with bright, indirect light and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Repotting can be done when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2-3 years, using a pot that is one size larger than the current one.
Remember, taking care of gerberas can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right care, they will reward you with beautiful blooms and add a touch of cheer to your home or garden.
If you have gerbera daisies growing in pots outdoors or need to relocate them, it’s important to handle them with care as they don’t respond well to transplanting. To prepare for the move, choose a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and ensure it has multiple drainage holes.
Generally, outdoor container plants like gerbera daisies need to be repotted every two years. Before moving them, it’s a good opportunity to create a healthy soil mix. You can also consider changing or amending the media at this time.
Gerbera daisies can thrive in various locations such as rock gardens, border assortments, and beds. They have the added benefit of attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies wherever they are planted.
When it comes to pruning and maintenance, it’s best to trim gerbera daisies after they have finished flowering, typically in late winter before new growth begins. Remove any dead leaves, flowers, and stems. If you notice any thin stems, it’s advisable to remove them as well.
To shape the plant, identify any stems that are too long or misplaced and start pruning from there. Once you are satisfied with the results, give the gerbera daisies a thorough watering to reduce the chances of plant stress. It’s also beneficial to apply some 10-10-10 fertilizer to the soil surrounding the plant.
If you want to propagate gerbera daisies, simply clip a few stems just above the soil level. These stems should be around 6 inches long. Applying rooting hormone can increase your chances of success. Mist the clippings and place them in a plastic bag, ensuring they receive indirect sunlight. Mist the inside of the bag daily until the stems develop roots. Once rooted, you can transfer them to a new home.
During colder months, if your outdoor gerbera daisies are in pots, it’s advisable to bring them indoors when the temperature drops below 40F. However, this transition should be done gradually. Initially, bring the plants indoors at night but return them outside during the day as long as the temperatures reach around 60F. Place the pot near a north-facing window and reduce watering. It’s common for gerbera daisies to enter a dormant period and not bloom during the winter.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that standard-sized gerbera daisies produce large flowers, while miniature gerbera daisies have smaller blossoms. The clusters of miniature gerbera daisies are just over 2 inches across, while standard-sized ones can measure 4-5 inches in diameter. In some cases, there are extra-large gerbera daisies that can even reach an impressive 6 inches in size.
Gerbera Daisies: Dealing with Pests and Diseases One common disease that affects gerbera daisies is powdery mildew. It can be identified by the appearance of whitish spots on the leaves, which gradually expand and turn gray. This disease not only affects the physical appearance of the leaves, but also causes them to curl and hinders their growth. Eventually, the affected leaves wither and die. In order to treat powdery mildew, it is advisable to use a fungicide or Neem oil.
Aphids and whiteflies are two sap-sucking insects that tend to infest gerbera daisies. When these insects feed on the leaves, they cause them to turn yellow. Additionally, whiteflies leave their eggs underneath the leaves. Another pest that affects gerberas is the spider mite, which causes yellowing and may even kill the leaves. Spider mites thrive in hot weather, and if you notice web-like structures on your plant, it is likely infested with spider mites.
Gerbera Tales According to Celtic legend, gerbera daisies were spread around the world by God when a child passed away, with the intention of bringing a little joy during times of sadness. The Norse believed that the daisy was sacred to the Goddess of love and beauty. In other cultures, gerbera daisies are commonly associated with hope, childlike joy, honesty, and optimism.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Gerbera Daisies Environmental factors can greatly affect the health of gerbera daisies. Poor drainage can lead to rot, resulting in a sudden drop of leaves. To save the plant, it is recommended to replant it in well-draining soil and ensure it dries out thoroughly. If your gerbera becomes leggy and produces only a few flowers, it is a sign that it is not receiving enough light. Finding a better spot with more sunlight or adjusting the landscaping can improve its growth. During hot weather, gerbera daisies might experience stress. Placing them in an area with indirect sunlight and keeping the soil moist can help alleviate this.
Yellowing of the leaves may indicate a spider mite infestation. These pests resemble spiders and leave behind webbing. Spraying the plant to knock them off can be an effective solution. Alternatively, yellow-edged leaves may indicate a magnesium deficiency, which can be rectified by adding an amendment to the soil. If the leaves have yellow coloration with green veins, it could be a sign of iron deficiency, and a liquid spray can help address this issue.
Wilting can be a result of improper watering, either over or under watering. If the soil is dry and it is hot outside, giving the plant a good soaking can help revive it. Additionally, assessing the amount of light the gerbera receives at noon is important. If it is lacking indirect lighting, moving it closer to such a light source can improve its condition.
The Symbolism of Gerbera Colors The color of gerbera flowers carries certain meanings. For instance, a yellow blossom symbolizes a wish for joy and friendship. Other colors include:
– Pink: signifies admiration, approval, and inspiration. – Red: represents passion and love. Presenting a red gerbera on Valentine’s Day signifies intense feelings of love towards the recipient. – Orange: signifies clarity and encourages embracing the simplicity of things. Orange gerberas also symbolize immense happiness. – Purple: symbolizes value, being a good role model, and spirituality. It encourages staying true to oneself. – White: represents virtue and finding joy in life’s simple blessings. It also signifies unity of purpose.
In summary, gerbera daisies are a wonderful addition to any outdoor garden as they bring vibrant colors and varying heights. Providing them with partial sunlight and carefully monitoring their watering schedule will ensure a healthy and happy plant.