- Select gerbera daisies with vibrant, fully open blooms and healthy green foliage.
- Avoid plants with yellowing or wilted leaves or signs of pests or diseases.
2. Proper Potting:
- Use well-draining pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to support healthy growth.
3. Watering:
- Water your gerbera daisies regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between watering.
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
4. Sunlight:
- Place gerbera daisies in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for several hours daily.
- Avoid exposing them to too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
5. Temperature:
- Gerbera daisies thrive in warm temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 75°F (24°C).
- Protect them from extreme temperatures, especially frost or excessive heat.
6. Fertilizing:
- Fertilize your gerbera daisies every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.
7. Deadheading:
- Regularly deadhead your gerbera daisies by removing spent blooms. This encourages new flower production.
8. Grooming:
- Remove yellow or wilted leaves from the base of the plant to maintain good air circulation and prevent disease.
- Be careful not to damage the central crown of the plant.
9. Repotting:
- Repot your gerbera daisies when the roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes. Use a slightly larger pot each time you repot.
10. Pests and Diseases:
- Monitor your gerbera daisies for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Treat any infestations with appropriate pesticides or neem oil.
- Watch out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. Treat with fungicides if needed.
11. Winter Care (in colder climates):
- Bring gerbera daisies indoors before the first frost.
- Place them in a bright, cool location (around 55-60°F/13-16°C) and continue to water and fertilize as needed.
By following these tips, you can help your gerbera daisies thrive and produce beautiful blooms for a long time.