How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies

Start your Gerbera daisy bed with rich soil high in organic matter and welldraining. Gerbera daisies also like soil with a pH between 5 5 and 6 5levels 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 watersoluble 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
Types of Gerbera Daisies
Terracotta Doubletype Gerbera daisy flower with double yellow petals
and a hint of peach surrounding its dark red eye
Winter Queen Crested double Gerbera daisy with white petals and a black central disk or eye
Giant Spinner Fullcrested double Gerbera daisy flower with two rows of outer petals and two rows of inner petals the first row of inner petals surrounds and covers the disk at the center
Pruning and Deadheading Gerbera Daisies
Like many flowers that are repeat bloomers deadheading extends the blooming period. As the blooms wilt or fade and petals are about to fall off the flower head deadhead or prune the flower stems to the leaves where they emerge.
Trim the dying bud off before it is prompted to go to seed. To keep your Gerbera looking tidy and encourage new leaf growth pinch or trim shabby or older fading leaves.
Propagating Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies can be propagated from cuttings divisions or seeds. Both propagation form cuttings and division are best done in the spring or summer during the most active growth period of the plant. Dividing mature plants helps to keep them vigorous maintains air circulation around the plant and promotes flowering.