In warm climates, Gerbera daisies are grown as tender perennials that come back every year.
Additionally, black spots or patches appear on the leaves if the pH level is too low.
During hot and dry spells or when getting established, water more frequently.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Only water Gerbera daisies lightly in the winter, since they are dormant during the cold months.
In cooler climates, gardeners grow Gerbera daisies as annuals.
The flowers prefer a cool (but not cold) winter temperature of about 45F to 50F.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Gerbera daisy plants have no special humidity needs.
Fertilizer
The amount of fertilizer your Gerbera daisies need depends on the quality of your soil.
Alternatively, spread compost around the plants monthly.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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Trim the dying bud off of Gerbera daisies before they go to seed.
Pinch or trim off shabby or older fading leaves to encourage new leaf growth.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Propagating Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies can be propagated from cuttings, divisions, or seeds.
Dividing mature plants helps to keep them vigorous, maintains air circulation around the plant, and promotes flowering.
Select a pot one size larger than the current one with at least one large drainage hole.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Remove the Gerbera daisy by turning the current pot over in your hand, supporting the root ball.
The root ball should sit about 1 inch beneath the rim of the new pot.
Water until water comes out of the drainage holes.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
The plants survive the winter outdoors if protected with mulch up to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
Common Pests
Aphids, whiteflies,spider mites, andthripsall feast on Gerbera daisy leaves.
Small populations are easily blasted off with a strong spray of water.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
To control larger populations, useinsecticidal soapor naturalhorticultural oils like neem.
Leafminersmay also infest the leaves which will show the telltale sign of tunneling.
Remove any damaged leaves.
Use pruners to remove the portions of your plants that have visible powdery mildew on them.
If the entire plant is affected, be assured that it will subside as the season changes.
The plant root appears rotted, brown, or black.
If left untreated, the entire plant will die.
Crown or and root rot often affects the plants when their soil is wet.
confirm not to overwater and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
However, do not leave the plant unwatered for so long that they wilt and become drought-stressed.
Botrytis Blight: The fungal spores ofBotrytis cinereacause a velvety coating over infected flowers and leaf tissue.
To treat it, remove all infected parts of the plant.
Apply a fungicide formulated to treat botrytis.
But the plant may bloom intermittently throughout the growing season.
What Does Gerbera Daisy Look and Smell Like?
A circle of ray petals in orange, red, yellow and cream hues surround a darker center disk.
Flowers may be 3 to 6 inches wide.
Gerbera daisy has no scent.
How Do I Encourage More Blooms?
If needed lower the soil pH or add iron chelates to the soil.
Wilting Plant
Overwatering or under-watering a Gerbera daisy can cause it to wilt.
Whether or not gerbera daises will do better in pots or in the ground depends on your soil.
The most important thing for gerbera daisies is that the soil is well draining.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
