The gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is loved for its sturdy, star-shaped blooms and its bold, bright colors. Native to South Africa — its alternate name is Transvaal daisy — it grows as an annual where winters are chilly and as a short-lived perennial where winter freezes are rare, in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. If you’re looking for greater blossom from the gerberas, a few basic cultural practices can allow you to maximize their show.
Plant gerber daisies in well-drained soil that is full of organic matter. They require at least four hours of sun a day. Usually, the more sun they get, the more they’ll thrive and blossom.
Fertilize monthly throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.
Water only when the soil is almost dry. It is much better to water deeply as opposed to superficially.
Cut the flowers as they fade. Deadheading enables the plant to focus more energy on flower production as opposed to seed production.
Divide the clump when it will become crowded and flowering declines.