Gerbera daisies are staples of cut flower arrangements sold at florists’ shops. And for years, this was practically the only place you could find these colorful daisies here in Louisiana. They just couldn’t stand up to our hot, humid climate.
All of that has changed in the past five to 10 years. Breeding efforts have produced a number of new gerbera daisy cultivars and series that we can successfully — and easily — grow in our Louisiana gardens.
Spring is when these cheery flowers, with their long, narrow petals surrounding a central disc, begin to bloom. It’s also a good time for planting them. Head to your local garden center now, and you’ll likely find a good selection of gerbera daisies in a wide range of colors — reds, pinks, oranges, yellows and whites.
Various heights of gerbera daisies are available, too. To decide which cultivar to purchase, think about your purpose.
Do you want to use the flowers as a border, at the front of a landscape bed or in a container? Choose a cultivar that stays shorter. Taller cultivars work farther back in beds, and their long stems are ideal for cut flowers.
Gerbera daisies should be planted in full to partial sun. Although full sun boosts flower production, these plants do benefit from a bit of protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Make sure to plant in well-draining soil. Gerbera daisies do not like “wet feet.”
For such a beautiful flower, gerbera daisies are surprisingly easy to grow. One maintenance item you should note is deadheading: Removing spent blooms throughout the growing season will keep plants looking tidy while promoting additional flowering.
Native to Africa, gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) often are treated as annuals but can perennialize in Louisiana. They bloom throughout spring and summer before dying back when cooler weather arrives. Mulch them well in winter, and their clumps will come back bigger and better the following spring.
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