How to Grow Gerbera Daisy

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Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

flower

Gerbera daisies are vibrant, large-flowered perennials known for their cheerful blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. These long-stemmed flowers are popular in gardens and as cut flowers, offering colorful displays from spring through fall. They are relatively easy to grow with proper attention to drainage and light.

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Festival Telstar Savanna Pacino Garnet Appleblossom

When should you plant Gerbera Daisy in your zone?

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Example Gerbera Daisy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Gerbera Daisy
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Gerbera Daisy blooms
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gerbera Daisy dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates

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Water: Water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; 1-1.5 inches per week

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-60 days to first blooms from transplant

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Planting depth: Crown at soil level; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Peat moss compost perlite sand for drainage improvement

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-10; may require winter protection in colder regions

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young transplants with 2-3 true leaves developing roots in the soil

Water gently but regularly; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from strong wind

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of lobed leaves; rosette shape forms at base

Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks; mulch lightly around base

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds emerge on tall, leafless stems rising from the crown

Increase phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering; maintain excellent drainage; remove any dead foliage

Flowering

6-8 weeks (repeat cycles)

Large, daisy-like flowers open in full color; blooms last 2-3 weeks per flower

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain consistent watering; monitor for spider mites

Post-Bloom/Winter Rest

2-4 months (varies by region)

Flowering slows or stops in winter; foliage remains but growth minimizes

Reduce watering; stop fertilizing; provide cold frame or mulch in zones below 8; prepare for spring regrowth

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Coreopsis Russian sage Lavender Catmint Black-eyed Susan Alliums

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring constant moisture (hostas, ferns) Densely shading trees Plants prone to fungal issues in humid conditions

Common Pests

Increase humidity with misting (away from crown); spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; remove infested growth
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap spray; neem oil applications
Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; remove infected plant if severe; use fungicide drench
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or neem oil spray

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Gerbera petals are edible and can be used to garnish desserts and salads, adding vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Use pesticide-free flowers from plants grown specifically for consumption. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Gerberas are among the most popular cut flowers worldwide, prized for their long vase life (10-14 days) and availability in numerous colors. Their large, striking blooms make them ideal for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral designs. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, gerbera has been used to support immune function and reduce inflammation, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before internal use. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Gerbera flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, making them valuable for supporting garden biodiversity. The open flower structure provides easy access to nectar and pollen. [source]

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Dried Flower Crafts

Craft

Gerbera flowers dry well and retain their color, making them excellent for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects that require durable botanical materials. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but fresh; cut long stems (12+ inches) just above the leaf line; remove lower leaves before arranging; change water every 2-3 days; blooms last 10-14 days in a vase

Fun Facts

🌱 Gerberas are the fifth most popular cut flower globally, ranking after roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tulips
🌱 The genus was named after the 18th-century German botanist and naturalist Traugott Gerber, and the flower originates from South Africa and Madagascar
🌱 Modern gerbera cultivars come in nearly every color except true blue, with some varieties featuring bi-colors and intricate petal patterns

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Transplant True Leaves

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