Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii · Flower

Quick answer: Water: When the top 1 in is dry, about twice a week in summer (estimated). Light: Full sun; afternoon shade in hot summers. Soil: Light, well-drained, slightly acidic, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated). Pets: The ASPCA lists gerbera as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing a lot of any plant can still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A cheerful daisy with large, clean-colored flowers on long bare stems. It loves bright light and warmth but sulks in cold, wet soil. Outdoors it is usually treated as a summer annual; in pots it can bloom on a sunny windowsill for months.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun; afternoon shade in hot summers

Water

When the top 1 in is dry; water at the base and let the crown dry between waterings

Soil

Light, well-drained, slightly acidic, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated)

Temperature

Best 65–75 °F (estimated); overwinter at 45–50 °F, frost-free

Spacing

12–18 in apart

Container

6–8 in pot with drainage holes (estimated)

Bloom

Spring to autumn; flowers 3–4 in across

Lifespan

Tender perennial, often grown as an annual

When?

Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost, or buy young plants. Set them outside once nights stay above 50 °F. In mild coastal areas this is usually late April to May; in colder areas late May (estimated).

Step by step

1. Press seeds onto moist seed mix and barely cover; they sprout in 7–14 days at 70–75 °F.
2. Plant with the crown slightly above the soil line; a buried crown rots easily.
3. Water at the base in the morning and let the top inch dry before watering again.
4. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer while it blooms.
5. Cut faded flower stems right at the base to keep new buds coming.
6. Bring pots indoors before frost and keep them in a bright, cool room over winter.

Common problems

Pets

The ASPCA lists gerbera as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing a lot of any plant can still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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