From seed

Packets of Gerbera daisy seeds make planting easy for home gardeners. However, be aware that so much hybridization has occurred with Gerberas that seeds don’t always germinate true to the parent plant. Colors may vary, as well as the size of the plant. While there may be variations, the resulting plants should still prove quite satisfactory, if slightly different in color. Sow them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date for bedding plants. Expect blooms 6 to 9 months after sowing the seeds, according to Dr. T. Ombrello of Union County College’s biology department.

By plant division

Plants with multiple crowns can be separated and allowed to establish as new plants. This method takes less time than growing from seed, allowing for earlier blooms. Use clean tools and remove any dead plant matter before potting the new plants.

Gerbera flowers

Gerbera daisies produce long-lasting blooms which can last as long as four weeks. Each apparent flower head is actually composed of tiny multiple flowers. With one flower head for stem, the flower can be fertilized easily by insects and requires no specialization from them. Some cultivars feature thin spidery petals, while others display multiple rows of flat, dahlia-like petals. The individual flower heads can measure several inches in diameter, depending on variety. Plant height can reach up to 2 feet at maturity, although some newer cultivars have been bred to more compact size.

Growing zones

Treat Gerbera daisies is annuals in most parts of the U.S. The plants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, but are unlikely to survive prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing. Protect plants by bringing them indoors in pots for the winter. Replant in the spring and be rewarded with earlier blooms. In extreme climates, consider growing them in pots and simply planting pots to the rim in the garden when weather conditions permit. This method facilitates protecting them when necessary.

Cautions

In areas where Gerbera daisies can be grown as perennials, gardeners must do some maintenance. Should the crown of the plant become covered with soil, the plant may die. Check the plants periodically for crown collapse. Lift and replant as necessary, but be gentle. The plants prefer minimum handling.