Gerbera, African Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerber Daisy, Transvaal Daisy 'Mixed Hybrids'

On May 24, 2013, permagardenann1 from Douglasville, GA wrote:

I have had my gerber daisies going on 4 summers now and faithfully they have returned since I bought them from Home Depot. I planted them between 2 yellow knockout roses using good compost and aged manure around them as needed. These days the roses are shading them out and they are truly the same 2 colors that they were when I purchased them-yellow and red. Last fall, after they finished blooming for the season, I tried to dig the plant out to replace it in a new location but the roots are way to deep to mess with. I will have to figure out something soon-but those gerber daisies are a real beauty that I never get tired of looking at. I am in Douglasville, ga and my gerbers are planted on the west side of my house. Love them truly.

On Jun 27, 2012, Caladria from Greensburg, PA wrote:

Rescued 4 potted plants from a church Easter display two weeks out. One was doing well when I got it, two were iffy, and another seemed straight up dead. I plants them all outside in a sunny location in soil that was raised but contained a lot of clay. After the first round of blooms wilted, it looked like that was the end. For several weeks nothing happened (the dead one never came back.) And then, almost magically at the same time, they began to bloom again. They are so pretty when they bloom that they almost don't look real.

I know it says not to overwater, to wait until it's dry to water, but these guys in my garden seem very thirsty. In fact, before I knew anything about their care I judged by their wilting all the time that they WANTED water. So far the three t... read morehat lived are still living. I'd like for them to come back next year, but I live in PA. I have a little hope since others have said it has happened for them.

On May 27, 2011, LeslieT from Bellaire, TX wrote:

I've never had any luck at all with this plant in my 9b Bellaire (Houston) garden. I've amended my heavy clay, used raised beds, been careful about watering, etc. I've decided not to waste another cent on this plant. They are beautiful and other people have luck, but NOT me.
Leslie

On May 25, 2011, hymenocallis from Auburn, AL (Zone 8a) wrote:

Just to restate the obvious, Red Gerbaras come back regularly, I planted one 5 years ago and it is up with buds now.

On Nov 19, 2010, JonthanJ from Logansport, IN wrote:

These are sold as bedding annuals in Logansport, Indiana, but we do get reports of people who bring them in in the fall, after frost knocks the foliage down, dry them off, and hold them in cool dry places to revive them in the spring with a good soaking. If you have that kind of space, storing them beats fighting off whiteflies. They pretty much are dandelions except that the main roots are surface rhizomes like a smaller version of Iris rhizomes. They like the cooler weather. I got a very good deal on some 14" hanging baskets at a local big box store when the plants perked up in late September and put out a whole bunch of new blossoms just as the store's sales calendar said it was time to close them out.

On Sep 15, 2010, mommaof3 from Kingston, PA wrote:

I am in zone 5, on top of a mountain, and my gerbera daisy returns each year. This year it produced it's first bloom since returning, in September. I do not provide it with any food, water extra mulch, or even fertilizer. I do not know why this flower has blessed me with it's return, but I am thankful for it this unlikely garden "perennial." I hope it returns again next year. It's in great soil and obviously very "happy" where it is.

On Jun 10, 2009, holeth from Corpus Christi, TX (Zone 9a) wrote:

While everyone around me does beautifully with this plant, I've killed 3. Now when I get them as gifts, from wedding centerpieces, etc., I give them away because I know that I just can't keep them alive.

The first one was a gift. I overwatered it, so I bought a replacement and watered it only when the soil got dry. THAT ONE MOLDED TOO! It lingered in agony for 4 or 5 months before it finally died. It got a powdery mildew that I couldn't control.

After that, I never bought another one. When I got another as a gift, I put it outside thinking that they needed more light. That rotted, too.

I QUIT.

On Sep 14, 2008, joan30157 from Dallas, GA (Zone 7b) wrote:

Love this plant!! I have several growing directly in the ground zone 7b. They return each year very early. They started blooming this year in May and show no signs of stopping. Mine grow in full sun and are not bothered by the heat. They do need supplemental watering during droughts. Very tough little plant. I have never been lucky enough to get seeds to germinate on this one.

On Jul 5, 2008, bloominbuffalo from Buffalo, NY wrote:

As a new urban gardener hesitant to use any chemicals..I have 5 plants, 2 in baskets (orange and red with lobelia), 1 alone in a terracotta pot (yellow) and two in a window box (orange with pansies). All are basically on the front porch and 4 of the five are doing phenomenal, 2 had 8 flowers at once and they are continually flowering (5-6 on other plants at a time)! However my lone yellow one had only 3 flowers and has not flowered again. The leaves are wilted and slightly reddish in color, although I do see new leaf growth. All are watered the same and occasionally added coffee grounds or egg shells; they are exposed to the same morning to 2pm sun. How can I revive my yellow one and what have I done wrong? Also, if I would like to keep these as a year around plant, what should I d... read moreo to eventually prep them for that move? Thanks.

On Apr 19, 2008, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:

Rabbits loves to eat it if the wilt doesn't get it.

On Feb 9, 2008, distantkin from Saint Cloud, MN (Zone 4b) wrote:

When collecting and sharing seeds for Gerbera, please make sure that the seeds are slightly fatter in the middle than at the ends, the seeds that are straight like a thick hair are not viable. Only the seeds that have a bit wider middle and sometimes with a slight curve to them will work. Will try to get a photo of the seeds.

On May 29, 2007, Annmarie22 from Sterling Heights, MI wrote:

I purchased three gerber daisy plants about two months ago, and i have had amazing luck with them. I have a pink plant, a yellow plant, and an orange plant. The orange plant has five full blooms and a few coming up. The yellow and pink ones have three flowers each and more on the way. I had them in pots but they have outgrown them so I am in the process of transplanting them into bigger pots. I water them every day but just a little and only at the roots. Once a week I sprinkle the flowers with a light mist. Seems so easy I hope my luck continues.

On May 1, 2007, nocello from Hereford, AZ wrote:

I live in zone 8, Hereford, AZ. I planted a Gerber Daisy a couuple of years ago to add some bright color to my garden, I really didn't know if it was a annual or perenial at the time. I half expected it to die come winter. Here it is a few years later and it is thriving. I grow it under a large mesquite tree with canna lilies all around it. When the ground dries out, which is often around here I water them. They stay very wet during our summer monsoon rains. It also lasts quite a while as a cut flower. I just purchased 2 more yesterday, I can't wait to see if they grow just as well. Here's hoping.

On Apr 5, 2007, vicki10bear from Livingston, LA wrote:

I live in zone 8 and I have grown gerber daises for 3 years now and they came back each time.I have the yellow,orange and red. I left them in the ground and mulched very heavy in the winter. Their are two yellow flowers blooming now and new buds about to burst open.

On Aug 22, 2006, dcamanda from Alexandria, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:

I'm finishing my first summer at a new place, and, as usual, have enjoyed the surprises of what pops out of the ground from previous owners. A pretty, bright red Gerbera was one of them (my first one)... which I thought was odd since I'd understood that they were annuals. I'm guessing it grew itself from seed? It's been chugging along since June, producing bloom after bloom, up to 4 or 5 at a time! And asking for NO water from me (rain was enough) the entire time (which is really something in the HOT DC July.
I did recently make a huge mistake: it's been growing really close to the sidewalk and to other plants, while I had a big bare spot a foot away from the little guy. So... I popped it out and replanted it in the open area. Honestly, with the way it's been looking, I'm surprised ... read morethat it is actually still alive. Bummer. It's encouraging, though, to see others say how much water they need (which, of course is a change for me), as I return home every day to the thing all wilted. Good to know it could still make a comeback!
Has anyone noticed how much the overall growth pattern resembles a dandelion?

On Jul 12, 2006, nancykeay from Tacoma, WA wrote:

Zone 8, Tacoma, WA. Every time I plant these, they seem to wilt and rot at the base. I honestly am not sure if I am overwatering or underwatering! All the plants around them seem to do fine. They are in windowboxes. Thanks.

On Jun 25, 2006, NatureWalker from New York & Terrell, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:

Greenhouse Perennial. Anytime of year.
I think it prefers cool air after getting estabished: 35° to 70 °.

Germ Days: 15 to 25.
Needs Light for Germination
Germ Temp: 70° to 75°.
Growing Media: Peaty. Don't forget to add a tiny pinch of lime to the soil.
Sow Depth: Just Cover the seed very lightly.
Comments: Sow sharp end down, with the fluff uptop, don't cover completely.
Spray mist to water, or water from bottom of plant; ONLY!

Don't keep wet Roots!
If you feel (or sense) that the roots are too wet, then use 1 tablespoonful of ordinary household peroxide per 8 ounces of warmed water; & pour it into the soil only! Touching the leaves with that strength will burn them.... read more

Category: Annuals in cooler climates or put in cool greenhouse.
Tropicals/Tender Perennials in: Zones 9a: to (20° F) thru 10b: to (35° F)
Height: 6 to 12 in. thru 18 inches.
Spacing: 12 to 15 inches.

~* Robin

On Feb 17, 2006, redshiba from Snohomish County, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:

I live in Oklahoma City...in January of 2005 I started these from seed, a crop the seed company mentioned could result in 50% crop failure so they sent me two packages, 50 seeds total...50% germinated just like they said. I planted them in a south and east facing corner that gets protection from north winds and sun mid morning to noon (average about 3 hours) in poorly un-ammended red clay Okie soil mulched with fallen leaf mulch. The soil can have a tendancy to dry out at the surface. They did not bloom in 2005, they seemed a little too young. This year our temps have dropped to a low of 4 degrees (that's farenheit!) on several occasions and have been snowed/iced on (including right now). They turned a little black yet have come back with a vengence and have babies next to them as well. I ... read moreknow this area of my garden is a micro climate so we'll see if they get enough sun to bloom this coming spring/summer and survive any winter that might prove more harsh in the future.

On Jan 21, 2006, sirius100 from Caracas,
Venezuela wrote:

They do dry quickly in hot days and need frequent watering, but high humidity is also an issue. I've had 8 gerberas and out of those 3 died from crown rot caused by too many humid nights in a row. Watering very carefully around them early in the day does the trick nicely, along with placing them in a place sheltered from foggy winds during the night. Despite these minor problems, these plants are completely worth the effort, as the flowers are truly amazing and very photogenic.

On Oct 10, 2005, Violet925 from Cuyahoga Falls, OH wrote:

I had gerber daisies as outdoor plants in Tennessee. They were part of a garden, and consistently came back every year with little maintenance. Now that I live in a colder climate (Cleveland, OH), I keep a daisy in a pot that hangs outdoors during the summer (needs water daily or it will wilt) and then I bring it indoors in front of a sunny window for winter. It begins blooming again once it is put outside the next summer. I highly recommend these cheery little plants if you can remember to water them. No need to toss them when it's cold out, as long as you water every couple of days and keep them in front of a sunny window throughout the winter.

On May 10, 2005, herlurie from Mobile, AL (Zone 8b) wrote:

I live in an apartment, so I have this plant in a pot. It has been sitting outside in full sun since I bought it two or three months ago. It is pink and has had two to three blooms continuously since I bought it, even though I have been neglectful and have forgotten to keep it watered on a regular basis. I quickly remember when I see the blooms and leaves beginning to droop, however!

I did not realize that it had the potential to be a perennial, but will be sure to bring it inside next winter when it begins to cool off. I also read recently in a book about plants that are good for purifying the air in houses and offices that it is a good choice for removing chemicals and toxic gases from indoor air. So, I am thinking of buying a few more for inside and seeing how well they... read more hold up, if I can find a place to put them!

On Jan 3, 2005, Indiana_Grown from Indianapolis, IN wrote:

This is my favorite plant, but when I tried bringing them in for the winter, I became infested with fruit flies, so be careful. A soil pesticide and paper eventually took care of them. The three I have remaining are currently doing so-so, not sure if they'll make it.

On May 29, 2004, indy2283 from West Bend, WI wrote:

Great plant, but birds have been eating the petals before it opens.

On May 1, 2004, KDePetrillo from North Scituate, RI (Zone 6a) wrote:

No one mentioned whiteflies in relation to Gerbera: as houseplants or greenhouse plants, you're almost guaranteed to have a whitefly infestation! Keep the insect spray handy if you try to grow these inside. Other than that, these are great plants. If you want to divide them for more plants, do it in June.

On Feb 13, 2004, DownEaster42 from Greenville, NC (Zone 7b) wrote:

I have successfully grown Gerber Daisy for four years in my zone 7b garden. The plants are in the shade of an old pine tree. They are kept heavily mulched and go dormant during the summer. Leaf out and soon flower in spring and fall. For some reason the plants with yellow flowers are more hardy than the other colors.

On Jul 6, 2003, Chrysalid wrote:

So far I've had mine in a pot for two years running, without much care at all, and mine is not only very resistant (its main branches broke in half and I merely tied them together again) but has lots of flowers at the same time during almost the whole year. It is also self-sowing and growing constantly.

On May 26, 2003, KayleasFan wrote:

I have also found that this plant needs watering at least twice a week but I love the blooms so much that I don't mind. I have it planted in partial shade in front of my hostas that are in full shade. It's made a nice transition plant. I have had several plants come back from seed this year and the colors are still bright and true.

On Aug 4, 2002, smiln32 from Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) wrote:

Gerbera daisies are not a perennial in zone 8, at least. I tried to bring them indoors last fall and they didn't make it through the winter. They do require a lot of water. Mine get half day of sun and do well when watered twice per week or so.