Over time, even the most beautiful Gerbera daisies start to lose their flower-power. To keep your garden or windowsill looking vibrant, it’s a good idea to start propagating them before they lose their steam. Luckily, you’ve got a few different ways to get the job done!
Using Seeds
One way to grow new Gerbera is by harvesting your own seeds. I’ll be honest, though—this isn’t my favorite method. If you let the flowers go to seed, the plant stops producing new blooms for the rest of the season because it’s putting all its energy into those “dandelion-like” seed heads. Plus, home-grown seeds can be a bit finicky and don’t always germinate well the following year. Because it’s a lot of work for a “maybe,” I usually recommend just buying a packet of high-quality seeds instead of trying to harvest them yourself.
Dividing the Roots
If you want a much easier and more reliable route, try root division. All you have to do is dig up the root ball and carefully split it into sections. Make sure you use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to prevent any rot or infections. A good rule of thumb is to ensure each piece has at least three “eyes” (growth points). Once divided, pop the sections into pots with fresh potting soil. The best times to do this are in late May or early September.
Taking Cuttings
The third option is to grow new plants from cuttings. In the spring, snip off a few healthy stems about two to three inches long. Strip off the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a glass of water in a nice, warm spot. Before long, you’ll see new roots starting to sprout! Once those roots are about two inches long, your new little Gerbera is ready to be moved into its own pot.
To recap, here are your best bets for propagating Gerbera daisies:
- Harvesting (or buying) seeds
- Dividing the roots
- Growing from cuttings
