What Are Gerber Daisies?

Gerber daisies (Gerbera jamesonii), sometimes called gerbera or African daisies, are tender perennials that are grown as annuals in all but the warmest climates. They are native to South Africa and produce large, vibrant blooms in a wide variety of colors.

Gerber daisies have tough, deep green leaves that range in length from 8 to 10 inches. There are approximately 30 species of gerber daisies available, varying in size from 12 to 18 inches tall. The brightly colored blooms begin to open in midspring and continue to appear until frost. The flowers are 2 1/2 to 4 inches wide and come in many shades, including orange, yellow, cream, white and pink. Double-bloom and two-toned cultivars are also available.

Gerber daisies do best in full sun, but are capable of tolerating light shade. They have deep root systems and prefer loose sandy or loamy soil. The roots are very prone to rot, so the soil in the chosen planting location must be well drained. Adding 3 to 4 inches of organic compost is beneficial if excessive clay is present. Container grown gerber daisies should be planted in a peat-based potting mixture.

The soil should be kept lightly moist throughout the entire bloom cycle. Once the blooms have faded, allow the soil to become dry to the touch before watering. Prolific, bright blooms can be encouraged by feeding twice each month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. An attractive appearance can be maintained by removing faded flowers and damaged foliage regularly.

Gerber daisies can be propagated from seed, though they are a bit difficult to start this way. They require very high humidity and 12 hours of sun or artificial light each day in order to germinate. The plants can also be propagated by dividing the roots. If you live in USDA Zone 7 or below overwinter the newly divided plants indoors and re-introduce them to the garden after frost danger in spring.