Cheery and bright, the Gerbera Daisy is known for its vibrant colors and variety of different sizes. Although you may not know them by name, I am sure you have seen these beautiful flowers before. Keep reading to learn all there is about the one-of-a-kind Gerbera Daisy.
History of the Gerbera Daisy
In 1727 Mr. Gronovius discovered the Gerbera Daisy in Africa. Once found, Gronovius named the daisy after a colleague of his by the name of Traugott Gerber. The flower was then introduced to the United Kingdom in 1827, where it was further cultivated and refined.
Since the 1950s, the Netherlands has been the most significant contributor to the production and breeding of the Gerbera Daisy. But, it wasn’t until 1975 that it sparked popularity and became an ample export opportunity for the Netherlands.
Now the Gerbera Daisies are grown worldwide and, to this day, are one of the most popular daisies you can purchase.
Characteristics of the Gerbera Daisy
The Gerbera Daisy is characterized best by its large colorful flowering heads that resemble a sunflower and vibrant colors of pink, yellow, orange, and red hues. They grow from eight to twenty-four inches tall on a single stem and make stunning additions to any floral arrangement. These daisies can be grown indoors or out, making them a popular flower to grow no matter your climate.
Growing the Gerbera Daisy
Depending on the climate where you live, the Gerbera Daisy is a flower that grows as an annual or perennial. In cooler climates, the daisies are annuals and offer their stunning blooms just when in season. Many Gerbera Daisies line the edges of flower gardens in warmer climates, where they continuously come back season after season as a perennial.
But not to worry! If you live in a cooler climate, you can plant your Gerbera Daisy in a flower pot, and once the weather changes, bring it indoors until the following spring. Gerbera Daisies thrive indoors and out, making them an excellent house plant.
Planting Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera Daisies are among the most popular flowers in the US, so when you’re perusing through a garden center for your pick of flowers for your yard or garden, you are sure to come upon these colorful petals.
When planting the daisies, choose a spot that gets great morning sun and shade in the late afternoon.
Before planting your daisies into the ground, you must ensure the soil is well-drained. By adding compost, peat moss, or organic mulch to your soil, you can provide the proper amount of drainage.
Plant the daisies just deep enough to cover the root ball. When planting multiple Gerbera Daisies, make sure you plant them twelve to eighteen inches apart to have proper airflow between the plants.
Water the soil around the plant and try to keep the plant itself dry. Gerbera Daisies are known for root rot, so the initial watering is just to set the plant in place. Once the plant establishes itself, water just enough to keep the top inch of soil moist.
Gerbera Daisies require monthly fertilizing and deadheading of the spent blooms to encourage the production of new flowers.
Keeping Gerbera Daisies Indoors
When keeping your daisies indoors, choose a container with plenty of drainage holes. Just like when planting outdoors, these daisies need the proper soil. A well-drained fertile potting soil does the trick.
Plant the flower just deep enough to cover the root ball and water the soil to set in the plant. Gerbera Daisies dislike any soil that is wet and soggy, so never overwater your plants. Just water enough to keep the top inch of soil moist.
The best place to set your daisies is next to a window that gets plenty of morning sun. The ideal temperature for Gerbera Daisies is seventy degrees Fahrenheit. In the warmer months of spring and summer, you can set your container outdoors with similar lighting conditions.
Fertilize monthly and deadhead when necessary with clean, sharp gardening clippers.
Purchasing the Gerbera Daisy
Seeds
Once winter turns to spring, most stores with a garden center start to bring out their spring supplies. In these supplies, you are sure to find Gerbera Daisy seed packets. If you want to grow your plants from seeds, start early in the spring to give the seeds enough time to germinate before transplanting.
Plants
These plants are available in spring, around late April through May. Being so popular, you can buy the Gerbera Daisy at most big box garden centers and local flower nurseries.
Flowers
Gerbera Daisies are one of the most popular flowers used in floral arrangements in the US. With a relatively long bloom season of early spring to late fall, you can get these at any florists across the country or online.
Grocery stores with floral departments also carry these flowers from early spring onwards. The great thing with these daisies is you can find them for your floral arrangements longer than most other flowers on the market.
Gerbera Daisy Meanings
Gerbera Daisies have a symbolization of innocence, purity, cheerfulness, and loyal love.
Bouquets and Floral Arrangements
These daises are great for floral arrangements for spring events, baby and bridal showers, and the perfect bouquet when sending to a loved one or close friend.
Gerbera Daisies also add beautiful color to your interior decor. Fresh cut flowers add brightness and freshness that cannot be duplicated with faux florals.
These daisies last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks in a vase when taken care of properly, and they are truly worth the low price.
Wrapping up the Gerbera Daisy
It’s no wonder why the Gerbera Daisy is one of the most popular daisies available. Their great colorful, vibrant petals and long stems are highly desirable. Whether you decide to plant these as outdoor blooms or add them to your growing collection of house plants, these daisies won’t disappoint.
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