Even if you’ve never grown gerbera daisy plants in your garden, chances are you’ve enjoyed gerbera daisies indoors in cut flower arrangements and bouquets. With their large upturned flowers, vibrant colors, and long stems, gerbera daisies have earned their status as one of most popular cut flowers in the world.
Native to South Africa, gerbera daisies are tender perennials that can be grown outdoors as annuals in almost any climate. You’ll commonly find gerbera plants sold at garden centers in the spring, or you can buy a pack or two of seeds in the flower color and variety of your choice. With proper planting and a little attention, either option will bring bold splashes of color to your garden beds and containers all summer long.
When grown as a annual, plants reach a maximum height of about 12 inches. When grown as a perennial, stems can reach up to 3 feet high.
The petals come in almost every color, from soft pastels to zesty shades of orange and red. The center floral disk also varies and may match or contrast the petals. Flower heads range from 2 to 6 inches across and come in a variety of forms including single, semi-double, double, and crested double.
Slender, lobed, dark green leaves form basal rosettes, with the flowers rising above them on long, leafless stems.
Gerberas grow best in areas that receive plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours a day), but they don’t like intense heat. In warmer climates, plant them in a spot that provides some afternoon shade.
Plant in compost-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5). Good soil drainage is important to avoid crown and root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider growing your gerberas in containers with a high-quaility potting mix.
Do Gerbera Daisy Come Back Every Year? A Guide to Getting Them to Rebloom
Gerbera daisies are popular garden flowers known for their brightly colored, cheerful blooms. But many gardeners wonder – will my gerbera daisies come back next year? The answer depends on where you live and how you care for them. Let’s explore what it takes to get gerbera daisies to return year after year.
Are Gerbera Daisies Annuals or Perennials?
Gerbera daisies can be grown as either annuals or perennials. depending on your climate
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In zones 8-10, they are perennials that regrow vigorously each spring. With proper care, they bloom repeatedly summer through fall.
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In zones 7 and colder, gardeners grow gerbera daisies as annuals. They last for one season before being killed off by freezing winter temperatures.
So in warmer climates, gerbera daisies reliably come back every year when cared for correctly. But in colder zones, new plants must be purchased or started from seed yearly.
Getting Perennial Gerbera Daisies to Return Year After Year
In zones 8-10 where winters stay frost-free, gerbera daisies can re-bloom for many years. Follow these tips to ensure their return each spring:
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Plant in spring – Set out nursery plants after the last expected frost when soil warms up. Avoid fall planting.
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Provide sun and rich soil – Grow in full sun to partial afternoon shade. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
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Water thoroughly – Give 1-2 inches of water weekly. Avoid soggy soil that causes rot.
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Fertilize regularly – Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growth.
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Deadhead flowers – Prune spent blooms to encourage new buds.
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Divide crowded clumps – In spring, divide rootbound plants to rejuvenate growth.
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Mulch for winter – Apply a thick layer of mulch over plants in fall to protect from cold.
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Cut back foliage – Trim off foliage 1 inch above soil before first frost. New leaves and flowers emerge in spring.
With conscientious care, perennial gerbera daisies continue dazzling the garden year after year in warm climates.
Getting Gerbera Daisies to Rebloom as Annuals
For gardeners in colder zones like 4-7, gerbera daisies must be replanted annually. But with proper care during their growing season, you can maximize their flowering performance:
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Start new plants indoors in early spring, or purchase starter plants once frost danger has passed. Select compact, bushy plants.
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Transplant into garden beds or containers in full sun (at least 6 hours daily). Space 12-15 inches apart.
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.
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Add a balanced granular fertilizer at planting time to support growth.
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Water frequently, about 1-2 inches per week. Don’t let soil dry out.
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Feed plants with a bloom-boosting liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
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Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming into fall.
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In fall, prune plants back near the ground and discard – don’t expect regrowth next spring.
Annual gerbera daisies should flower prolifically all summer long with proper planting and care. Pinching off dead blooms keeps them looking their best. Come fall, it’s time to say goodbye and start fresh next year.
How Long Do Gerbera Daisies Bloom For?
Regardless of whether you grow them as perennials or annuals, individual gerbera daisy blooms last up to two weeks if cared for properly. However, the total blooming period depends on your climate:
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In zones 8-10, gerbera daisies bloom spring through fall, from March-October typically. This long flowering season makes them ideal perennials.
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In colder zones where they are annuals, gerbera daisies bloom from late spring through fall frost, generally June-September. Give them a head start indoors for faster flowering.
Deadheading faded blooms as they finish extends overall bloom time. So does providing ample sunlight, fertilizer, and ideal growing conditions.
Do Gerbera Daisies Come Back from Their Roots?
In zones where gerbera daisies die back each winter, many gardeners wonder – will they regrow from their remaining roots next year? Unfortunately, gerbera daisies do not reliably return from their root system alone in cold climates. The foliage and stems are killed off by freezing temperatures.
To get gerbera daisies to bloom again in cold zones, gardeners must:
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Start new plants from seed indoors in late winter/early spring.
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Purchase new starter plants or nursery transplants and plant them after the threat of frost has passed.
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Dig up rhizomes or root divisions from existing plants and replant in spring. But the roots often don’t survive winter.
The plants’ tropical origins mean their aboveground growth and overall vigor declines once cold weather sets in, preventing regrowth the following season.
Regrowing Gerbera Daisies from Cuttings
While gerbera daisies don’t reliably return from their roots alone in cold climates, taking cuttings from existing plants is one way to propagate more for next year. Here’s a quick guide:
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In late summer, take 3-4 inch tip cuttings from vigorous, healthy stems. Remove the lower leaves.
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Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth.
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Plant the cuttings a few inches deep in pots with seed starting mix.
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Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist.
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In about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and formed new plantlets.
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Transplant the new plants into the garden in spring after hardening them off.
This method lets you generate brand new gerbera daisy plants using cuttings from your existing flowers. Taking cuttings in late summer gives them time to root before frost hits.
Troubleshooting Gerbera Daisies That Don’t Come Back
Sometimes gerbera daisies fail to return reliably, even in warmer zones. Issues like improper care, pests, and diseases can prevent regrowth.
Here are some potential reasons gerbera daisies don’t come back and solutions:
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Insufficient sunlight – Full sun is required. Move to a sunnier spot.
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Poor drainage – Improve soil structure by adding compost; avoid overwatering.
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Underfertilizing – Feed plants regularly to fuel growth and flowering.
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Failure to mulch – Winter cold may damage plants if not insulated by mulch layer.
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Pests like mites – Check undersides of leaves and treat infestations early.
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Diseases like botrytis – Improve airflow. Remove and destroy infected plants.
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Extreme cold – Harsh winters may kill plants that are borderline hardy. Protect with row cover fabric.
Addressing issues like improper care, drainage problems, lack of nutrition, cold damage, and pest/disease pressure can help get gerbera daisies thriving again.
Key Takeaways
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In zones 8-10, gerbera daisies are perennials and regrow from roots each spring if mulched and cared for properly.
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In colder climates, gerbera daisies die back completely in winter and must be replanted annually. They don’t reliably regrow from remaining roots.
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Take cuttings in summer or divide existing plants in spring to propagate more for next year’s garden.
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Ensure full sun, rich soil, ample fertilizer, and frequent watering to encourage prolific blooming.
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Deadhead spent flowers to extend overall bloom time.
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Address issues like pests, diseases, and drainage problems to get struggling plants thriving again.
With smart planting, attentive care, and propagation techniques, you can enjoy gerbera daisies’ gorgeous blooms again and again, whether you garden in a warm or cold climate.
Growing from starter plants:
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure good air flow, and place the crowns slightly above soil level to avoid crown rot. Water regularly until plants become well established, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help conserve soil moisture, but be careful not to cover the crowns.
Although it’s more convenient to grow them from plant starts, growing gerbera daisies from seed allows you to choose from a wider array of varieties and color combinations. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the soil has warmed in the spring, but you’ll enjoy blooms much sooner if you start the seeds indoors 12 to 18 weeks before the last frost.
The seeds need light for germination, so just press them lightly into the soil surface. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they have at least two sets of leaves. Depending on growing conditions, the first blooms will appear 18 to 24 weeks after sowing.
Flower ResourcesDiscover the right flowers for your garden.
Photo by: Smetana Natasha / Shutterstock
Even if you’ve never grown gerbera daisy plants in your garden, chances are you’ve enjoyed gerbera daisies indoors in cut flower arrangements and bouquets. With their large upturned flowers, vibrant colors, and long stems, gerbera daisies have earned their status as one of most popular cut flowers in the world.
Native to South Africa, gerbera daisies are tender perennials that can be grown outdoors as annuals in almost any climate. You’ll commonly find gerbera plants sold at garden centers in the spring, or you can buy a pack or two of seeds in the flower color and variety of your choice. With proper planting and a little attention, either option will bring bold splashes of color to your garden beds and containers all summer long.
On this page:
Gerbera daisy, African daisy, Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy
8-11, usually grown as an annual
When grown as a annual, plants reach a maximum height of about 12 inches. When grown as a perennial, stems can reach up to 3 feet high.
Partial to full sun
Late spring through fall; blooms last for several weeks
The petals come in almost every color, from soft pastels to zesty shades of orange and red. The center floral disk also varies and may match or contrast the petals. Flower heads range from 2 to 6 inches across and come in a variety of forms including single, semi-double, double, and crested double.
Slender, lobed, dark green leaves form basal rosettes, with the flowers rising above them on long, leafless stems.
Photo by: Iva / Shutterstock.
In late spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
Gerberas grow best in areas that receive plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours a day), but they don’t like intense heat. In warmer climates, plant them in a spot that provides some afternoon shade.
Plant in compost-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5). Good soil drainage is important to avoid crown and root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider growing your gerberas in containers with a high-quaility potting mix.
Caring for your Gerbera Daisy
FAQ
Will gerbera daisies come back every year?
Gerbera daisies are tender perennials that grow year-round in USDA Zones 8-10, but you can enjoy them in the spring and summer in any climate. Because they are native to South Africa, gerbera daisies grow well in warm areas such as California. In cooler climates, they are grown as annuals.
Do gerbera daisies do better in pots or in the ground?
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Southern Livinghttps://www.southernliving.comHow To Grow And Care For Gerbera Daisies – Southern LivingSep 13, 2024 — Soil. Unless your soil is sandy or gritty, don’t plant it in the ground. Gerberas need excellent drainage. If the soil stays soaked for long, the pl…
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Birds and Bloomshttps://www.birdsandblooms.comHow to Grow Gerbera Daisies in Pots – Birds and BloomsSep 27, 2024 — In most cases, it’s best to grow Gerbera daisies in pots, so you can move them to the best location as the seasons change. Try for morning sun and l…
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The Sprucehttps://www.thespruce.comHow to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisy – The SpruceMar 25, 2025 — While Gerbera daisies are often started indoors by seed, they’ll do their best to grow long-term outdoors due to their need for ample sunlight and r…
How do you keep gerbera daisies over the winter?
Overwintering Gerbera Daisies Indoors
Container-grown gerbera daisies can be brought indoors for overwintering. Keep plants barely moist and cool (45 °F to 50 °F) and provide sun and good air circulation.
Do gerbera daisies multiply?
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Better Homes & Gardenshttps://www.bhg.comHow to Plant and Grow Gerbera Daisy – Better Homes & GardensSep 12, 2023 — Gerbera daisies can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, and seed. Division: Mature Gerbera daisies usually have multiple crowns, and each crow…
Do gerbera daisies come back every year?
In warm climates, Gerbera daisies are grown as tender perennials that come back every year. In areas with cold winters, they are treated as annuals and planted in garden beds or containers after all danger of frost has passed in the spring. If you live in a climate where winters are cold and snowy, it is best to buy nursery-grown starter plants.
Can gerbera daisies be winterized?
Gerbera daisies are tender perennials that can be grown annually in colder climates. It is important to properly winterize them to ensure that they come back year after year. Here are some tips: ● Before the first anticipated frost, divide the plant if it is older than two years to reinvigorate its growth and appearance.
How do you care for gerbera daisies?
Regular watering, removing dead flowers, and cutting back the foliage at the end of the season can also help ensure that your daisies will continue to rejuvenate and bloom brilliantly every year. Gerbera daisies can also be divided in the fall or early spring to promote growth and ensure they return year after year.
How long do gerbera daisies take to spread?
For example, English daisies typically take around one year to spread and come back annually, while Gerbera daisies may take up to two years. Additionally, environmental factors such as the amount of sunlight and water the plants receive can also affect the rate of annual spread.
Are gerbera daisies frost intolerant?
Gerbera Daisies, also known as the most common type of daisy, are frost-sensitive perennials in areas with mild winters. They can grow and bloom year-round in frost-free climates, producing multiple blooms in a season if deadheaded regularly. However, if Gerbera Daisies don’t get enough sunlight, they may produce few or no flowers at all.
Are gerbera daisies perennials?
Gerbera daisy is a beautiful, vibrant flower that brings life to any garden or home. They are highly adaptable and easy to care for, making them popular for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. In most parts of the United States, Gerbera daisies are treated as tender perennials that return yearly.