How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies

• Water newly planted Gerbera daisies regularly. Give established plants about 1 inch of water per week and more in hot, dry weather.
• During the winter, keep perennial gerbera daisies at a temperature between 45 and 50 degrees F.
• Feed them monthly during the spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer.
• Harvest your Gerbera daisies when the flowers are fully opened, but the center remains tight.
• To keep Gerbera daisies blooming and showy, deadhead spent blooms.

Light

Gerbera daisies thrive best under full sun but do not like intense heat. If you live in a climate that experiences particularly hot summers (or afternoons, for that matter), try to plant your Gerbera daisies in a location with afternoon shade. You should also avoid planting flowers near a structure that reflects heat onto the plant, such as a foundation or stone wall.

Soil

Start your Gerbera daisy bed with rich soil high in organic matter and well-draining. Gerbera daisies also like soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5—levels higher than this cause chlorosis, which manifests with yellow stripes on the leaves. Additionally, black spots or patches appear on the leaves if the pH level is too low.

Water

Gerbera daisies need regular watering, around 1 inch per week. Water only when the soil has dried an inch or two below the surface. These flowers may also need more frequent watering when first getting established in your landscape and during hot, dry spells.

Do not overwater this plant during the winter, as overwintered daisies go dormant and will only need light watering once a month during this phase.

Temperature and Humidity

Gerbera daisies grow best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, though they will need winter protection in zone 8. In cooler climates, gardeners grow Gerbera daisies as annuals. The flowers prefer a cool (but not cold) winter temperature of about 45 to 50 degrees F. Gerbera daisy plants have no special humidity needs.

Fertilizer

The amount of fertilizer your Gerbera daisies need depends on the quality of your soil. During the spring and summer, fertilize the plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions. Alternatively, spread compost around the plants monthly