The Gerbera Daisy & How Soil Affects It

Germination Media

• Gerbera daisies can be grown outside in the garden or in a greenhouse. The seeds are relatively expensive and sensitive to germinating conditions. To ensure successful germination, some seeds are started in the greenhouse under a controlled climate. A sowing medium consisting of 40 to 60 percent perlite and 40 to 60 percent peat moss provides the necessary soil environment. Vermiculite and ground sphagnum moss are other alternatives for a growing medium. The seedlings prefer a slightly acid growing medium with a pH of 5.8 to 6.0.

Conditions for Germination

• With a soil temperature of 70 to 75 degrees, gerbera daisies germinate in one to two weeks. A relative humidity of close to 100 percent provides the delicate gerbera daisy seeds with the preferred environment for germination. To maintain high humidity, cover the flat or pots with a sheet of glass or clear plastic. Place the flat or pots under bright, indirect light.

Soil for Growing Gerbera Daisies

• Established plants prefer well-drained, loose soil with high organic matter content. Sandy soil with an organic matter amendment meets the requirements. The optimum pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.2. Keep the soil moist to encourage blooming. Gerbera daisies often bloom from early summer to fall. After the blooming period, allow the soil to dry slightly before watering. When transplanting Gerbera daisies, keep the crown at or slightly above soil level to prevent crown rot.

Fertilizer

• Gerbera daisies prefer fertile soil. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer two or three times during the growing seeding. Another option is to apply a complete fertilizer every month. A complete fertilizer has a rating of 15-5-15 or similar. Gerbera daisies require significant amounts of the micronutrients iron and manganese. A fertilizer that contains iron and manganese corrects soil deficiencies.