How to Grow Gerbera
Gerbera jamesonii
Gerbera is a tender perennial producing large, vibrant daisy-like flowers on long stems. In cool climates, grow in containers with free-draining compost and move under cover before frost. Full sun, regular feeding spring to autumn, and excellent drainage are essential. Avoid wetting the crown when watering. Flowers prolifically from early summer through autumn with regular deadheading.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn during active growth and flowering.
Watch For
- Aphids
- Whitefly
- Crown rot in wet conditions
- Powdery mildew
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Needs maximum sunlight for prolific flowering. In cool climates grow in the brightest spot available. Move to a bright windowsill or frost-free greenhouse over winter.
Watering
Regular but avoid wetting the crown
Water at soil level, keeping the crown dry to prevent rot. Allow compost to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce to barely moist over winter during dormancy.
Fertilizing
Fortnightly balanced feed, spring to autumn
Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth and flowering from spring to autumn. Stop feeding completely in winter.
Pruning
Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms
Remove spent flower stems at the base promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to prevent fungal problems and crown rot.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 35 cm |
