Few flowers can brighten up a room quite like the Gerbera daisy. With around 30 species originating from Africa and tropical Asia, these beauties are definitely fans of warmer weather, which means they aren’t winter-hardy. That’s why, for most of us, they’re best grown as potted plants.
Finding the Perfect Spot
I’ll be honest with you: Gerberas can be a bit high-maintenance. They’re picky about their care and especially about their lighting, so you’ll want to be strategic about where you park their pots. On one hand, they crave lots of light to thrive. On the other hand, they absolutely hate the harsh, direct midday sun. Indoors, try to find a bright room but keep them a bit back from the window glass. If you’re moving them outside, a spot with partial shade is your best bet.
Watering 101
Along with plenty of light, Gerberas love their moisture. However, they have zero tolerance for “wet feet” (standing water). The trick is to water them frequently enough that the soil stays consistently damp, but never soggy. Always make sure your pot has good drainage so excess water can run off. Pro tip: during those hot summer months, your Gerberas will love a little extra misting with a spray bottle!
Soil and Fertilizer
When it comes to the right dirt, Gerberas need soil that breathes. Standard potting soil works fine, but I recommend mixing in a little sand to improve drainage. Since sandy mixes hold fewer nutrients, you’ll want to compensate by using a liquid fertilizer about every two weeks to keep them fed and happy.
Summering Outdoors
Once the threat of frost has passed in the spring, your Gerberas will love a “summer vacation” on the patio or balcony. The fresh air and natural light usually lead to much more vibrant blooms. Just remember the golden rule: keep them protected from that scorching afternoon sun.
Deadheading for More Blooms
One reason we love Gerberas so much is their impressively long blooming season, which usually runs from May all the way through September. To keep the party going, you’ll want to practice “deadheading”—removing faded flowers as soon as they start to wilt. This tells the plant to stop focusing on making seeds and instead put all its energy into pumping out new, gorgeous blossoms.
To keep your potted Gerberas happy, just remember these basics:
- Pick a bright spot, but shield them from direct midday sun.
- Keep the watering consistent.
- Give them a little fertilizer boost now and then.
- Stay on top of removing old blooms to encourage new growth.
