Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH
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Position
Partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
A semi-tropical perennial from South Africa, gerbera daisies can tolerate light frost but are killed by winter temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
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Feeding
Where gerbera daisies are perennial, mulch over the plants’ root zones with rich compost just as the new growth emerges in spring. In containers, feed gerbera daisies monthly with a liquid plant food.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Gerbera daisies can be grown from seeds indoors under lights, but the seedlings need a long, 3-month head start before the last frost. Alternatively, buy plants at a local garden center when they are on the brink of bloom, and enjoy them as blooming potted plants. Except in perfect climates with cool nights and dry days, gerbera daisies do as well or better in pots than in the garden, where they may be troubled by pests and diseases. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Gerbera daisies need excellent drainage.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Gerbera daisies are hugely successful as a greenhouse crop, but the plants often fail when set out in the garden. For most gardeners, the solution is to keep the plants in containers, and regard them as seasonal potted plants, rather like cut flowers with roots.
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Harvesting
Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them. When trimmed and reset in fresh water every two days, gerbera daisies will last more than a week in a vase.
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Troubleshooting
Several root rot and leaf spot diseases infect gerbera daisies grown in warm weather. Gerbera daisies are short-lived plants.
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