Gerberas are a garden favourite known for their striking, large, and brilliantly coloured flowers. With their wide range of hues, from vibrant reds and yellows to soft pinks and whites, Gerberas instantly brighten any garden or floral arrangement. These cheerful and long-lasting blooms make Gerberas a popular choice for adding a splash of happiness and colour to your outdoor space.
Planting Calendar
Gerberas are best planted during spring and summer.
Harvest In
Spring -Autumn.
Gerbera make wonderful cut flowers. Pick your Gerberas when the flowers are fully opened, but the center remains tight. Place them in 1 inch of water and add more as necessary. If the base of the stem begins to discolour, make a fresh cut at an angle.
Prepare
These beautiful flowers inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen at night. You can keep them beside your bed in a vase. It is said that Gerberas help you in sleeping better at night. Gerberas make a great display when planted in garden beds and can also be grown in post on the deck or patio. Gerbera are known to attract bees and butterflies.
Position
Gerbera thrive in full sun, but can take afternoon shade particularly in areas with hot summers.
Soil
When planted into the ground Gerberas prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid wetting foliage.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect your gerberas from frost.
Spraying
Powdery mildew can be a issue in humid conditions, avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Spray with Kiwicare Organic Super Sulphur, to treat mites spray with Mavrik at first sign of infestation.
Pruning
Deadheading is essential to prolong the flowering time. As flowers age they droop and fade. Gently twist the flower stem off at the base of the plant. Encourage new leaf growth be removing shabby or old leaves at the base.
Beginner Tip
Gerberas always turn towards the sun. They track the sun as it moves from east to west.
Expert Tip
Gerberas prefer a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Levels exceeding this range may lead to chlorosis, characterized by yellow stripes on the leaves. A pH level below this range can result in the development of black spots or patches on the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gerbera daisies?
Gerbera daisies are popular flowering plants known for their bright, colourful blooms and large daisy-like flowers. They are often used in gardens, pots, and as cut flowers.
How do I plant Gerbera daisies?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
How often should I water my Gerbera daisies?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
How do I fertilise Gerbera daisies?
For strong healthy roots, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
How much sunlight do Gerbera daisies need?
Gerbera daisies thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to encourage strong, healthy blooms.