How to Over Winter Gerbera Daisies and Ensure Blooming
How to Over Winter Gerbera Daisies?
To over winter Gerbera daisies, dig up the plant before the first frost and prune off remaining flowers.
Remove most of the soil from the root ball, and cut back some roots.
Place the plant in a new pot with fresh potting soil, keeping the crown of the plant at soil level.
Acclimate the plant to indoor conditions by gradually increasing the time spent indoors.
Keep the temperature between 60-70 degrees, provide full sunlight (supplement with artificial light if needed), and water sparingly (once per month).
Do not over-water or fertilize during the winter.
In the spring, reverse the process by acclimating the plant to outdoor conditions.
Key Points:
- Dig up Gerbera daisies before first frost, prune off remaining flowers
- Remove soil from root ball, cut back some roots
- Plant in new pot with fresh potting soil, keep crown at soil level
- Acclimate plant to indoor conditions, gradually increase time spent indoors
- Maintain temperature between 60-70 degrees, provide full sunlight (supplement with artificial light if needed), water sparingly
- Do not over-water or fertilize during winter, reverse process in spring by acclimating to outdoor conditions
Did You Know?
1. Gerbera daisies are native to South Africa, and their name is derived from the surname of German botanist Traugott Gerber, who first discovered the plant.
2. Gerbera daisies open and close their petals in response to light. They fully open during the day to attract pollinators, and then close at night to protect the delicate reproductive parts of the flower.
3. While gerbera daisies are commonly cultivated as annuals, they are actually perennial plants. In their natural habitat, they can live for several years and continue to bloom in mild climates throughout the year.
4. Gerbera daisies are excellent air purifiers. They remove harmful toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, making them a great addition to indoor spaces.
5. Gerbera daisies come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and even bi-colored varieties. Interestingly, the color of the gerbera daisy’s flower actually affects its overall lifespan, with lighter-colored flowers generally lasting longer than darker ones.
Gerbera Daisies In Different Climate Zones
Gerbera daisies are a popular choice for adding beauty to gardens with their vibrant colors and striking appearance. However, their survival and blooming potential depend on the climate zone in which they are grown.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, gerbera daisies are considered tender perennials. They can be grown as long-lasting plants in these warmer regions, providing year-round beauty to outdoor spaces.
However, in cooler climates like Zone 6, where winter temperatures can be harsh, gerbera daisies are typically considered annuals or can be grown as houseplants. The climate is too harsh for them to survive outside during the winter season.
To ensure their survival until the next growing season, it is possible to winterize gerbera daisies indoors with the right care and attention.
Winterizing Gerbera Daisies Indoors
To successfully overwinter gerbera daisies indoors, start the process several weeks before the first frost. Begin by carefully digging up the plant, being mindful of its delicate root system. After removing the plant from the ground, prune off any remaining flowers and gently shake off excess soil from the root ball. To promote healthy growth during the winter months, it is advisable to cut back some of the roots.
Next, select a new pot with proper drainage and fill it with fresh potting soil. Place the gerbera daisy in the new pot, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with the soil. This will prevent any potential rotting or damage to the plant. To acclimate the plant to indoor conditions, gradually increase the time it spends indoors. This will allow it to adjust to the change in environment.
During the winter, it is crucial to maintain a temperature of around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for the gerbera daisies. Additionally, they require full sunlight to thrive. If necessary, you can supplement natural sunlight with artificial light sources. However, it’s important to water the plants sparingly, as over-watering can lead to root rot. Watering once per month is generally sufficient during the winter months. Avoid over-watering or fertilizing the daisies during this period, as it can disrupt their natural dormant state.
Proper Care And Maintenance For Overwintering
To ensure successful overwintering of gerbera daisies, proper care and maintenance are essential. As the spring season approaches, gradually reverse the process by acclimating the plants to outdoor conditions. Increase their time spent outdoors and expose them to natural sunlight. This will prepare the plants for the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight they will experience during the growing season.
Throughout the overwintering period, it is important to carefully monitor the plants for any signs of pests or diseases. The main insect problem that gerbera daisies face is aphids. However, these pests can be controlled naturally with the help of beneficial insects like ladybugs. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and take necessary action if required.
To promote continuous blooming, it is advisable to deadhead spent blooms. This redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms, ensuring a longer flowering period. When repotting gerbera daisies, choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Make sure to position the plant’s crown just above the soil level to avoid any potential rotting issues.
- Acclimate the plants gradually to outdoor conditions as spring approaches.
- Expose the plants to natural sunlight to prepare them for the growing season.
- Monitor the plants for pests and diseases, such as aphids.
- Control pests naturally by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and take necessary action.
- Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous blooming.
- Choose a pot with drainage holes when repotting gerbera daisies.
- Position the plant’s crown just above the soil level to avoid rotting issues.
Propagation Of Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. The best seasons to divide gerbera daisies are spring and summer.
To divide the daisies, start by digging around the base of the plant about 6 inches out and lift the entire plant from the ground. Next, snap or cut apart the crowns, ensuring that each crown has adequate roots and stems. Finally, replant the divided crowns immediately to promote healthy growth.
Stem cuttings can also be taken from non-flowering stems. Choose 6 to 8-inch cuttings and dip their bottoms in rooting hormone. Then, place the cuttings in small pots filled with moist potting mix, mist them every day, and keep them in bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted into larger containers or garden beds.
Growing Gerbera Daisies From Seeds
If you want to grow gerbera daisies from seeds, it’s best to start them indoors in early spring. Here’s how:
- Fill a pot with seed-starting mix.
- Create small holes in the mix and carefully place a seed in each hole.
- Make sure the seed is positioned correctly – some may have a feather attached, while others have a longer pointed end.
Gerbera daisy seeds usually take about two to three weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into their own 4-inch pots filled with well-draining potting mix.
During this stage, it’s important to provide the seedlings with enough moisture and keep them in a warm location with good air circulation. This will help them establish a strong root system and thrive throughout the growing season.
Companion Plants For Gerbera Daisies
Companion planting can enhance the beauty and health of gerbera daisies. One recommended companion is Dichondra, known for its showy, soft foliage and trailing growth that can reach up to 6 feet. The combination of gerbera daisies and Dichondra creates a visually appealing contrast with the vibrant colors of the daisies and the trailing foliage of the Dichondra. It also provides a lovely ground cover that enhances the overall aesthetic of the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you take care of a gerbera daisy in the winter?
To care for a gerbera daisy during the winter, it is essential to maintain a moderate temperature of 60-70 degrees to ensure their well-being. Additionally, it is crucial to provide these flowers with ample sunlight, which can be supplemented with artificial light if necessary. Alongside this, watering them sparingly once a month when the top inch of soil feels dry will help maintain their health during the winter months.
Can you keep gerbera daisies from year to year?
Gerbera daisies can be kept from year to year with proper care. During the winter months, it is important to water them sparingly to prevent overhydration. Once the last frost has passed in the spring, you can bring them back outside to enjoy their vibrant blooms during the warmer months. Alternatively, you can choose to keep your Gerbera daisy indoors in a cool and brightly lit spot, ensuring that it receives adequate sunlight to thrive.
Should I cut back my gerbera daisies for the winter?
If you reside in a warmer zone, such as zone 7 to 10, it is advisable to trim your gerbera daisies before the arrival of frost, reducing them to a height of approximately 1 inch. This practice helps protect the plants during the winter season and encourages healthier growth in the following year. By cutting back the gerbera daisies, you are giving them a chance to conserve energy and prepare for the colder temperatures, ensuring a vibrant and beautiful display when spring arrives.
Do gerbera daisies come back after winter?
Gerbera daisies can come back after winter if proper winter protection is provided. In regions with mild winters (zones 8 and above), these daisies can be grown as perennials if safeguarded from freezing temperatures. However, in colder climates, it is necessary to bring container-grown gerbera daisies indoors during winter and store them in a bright location with cool temperatures ranging from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. By taking these measures, gerbera daisies have the potential to return and bloom again after the winter season.