Plants with large and colorful flowers are called gerbina daisies.In warmer climates, gerbera daisies can be grown in the garden as annuals.The daisies grow well in containers.You can bring the flowers when it gets too cold.The best way to care for gerbera daisies is to give them the right amount of water.
Step 1: Start the seeds indoors in the early spring.
Until the frost is done and the soil starts to warm, gerbina daisies cannot be planted outside.If you start the seeds inside first, they will be ready to be replanted in late spring or early summer.It is important to start the seeds indoors early in the growing season.
Step 2: A seed starting mix is needed to fill a seed tray.
Seed starting mix is a lighter mix that is better for germinating seeds.When the tray has been filled, use a spray bottle to make sure the mix in each cell is moist.Combining equal parts is how you can make your own seed starting medium.
Step 3: The seeds can be planted.
To poke a hole in the center of the medium, use the tip of a pencil or toothpick.The hole should be 4 inch deep.The pointed end of the seed should be facing down.Just below the soil line is where the top of the seed should be.The medium should be placed around the hole to cover the seed.
Step 4: Water the seeds.
To help settle the seeds, use a mister or small watering can.Water is needed to keep the soil moist as the seeds grow.
Step 5: The tray needs to be covered with plastic.
You can cover the tray with a sheet of plastic wrap or place a seed starter dome over it.As the seeds grow, this will keep the soil moist.Once the seeds have sprouted, you can remove the plastic.When the plastic is on the tray, you won't have to water as often, but you will need to keep the medium moist.
Step 6: Place the seeds in a bright spot.
The seeds will get about 8 hours of indirect light a day if you choose a bright windowsill.The seeds will be kept warm by the bright light and plastic.
Step 7: The daisies will develop two sets of leaves.
The gerbera daisy seedlings will continue to grow after the seeds have been sprouted.The soil has started to warm in the late spring or early summer and the seedlings aren't ready to be replanted outside until they've grown two sets of leaves.If there are two sets of leaves, don't transplant them until the threat of frost is over.
Step 8: There is morning sun and afternoon shade.
The natives of South Africa don't like temperatures over 70 F.It is important to keep them out of the sun.The ideal location is bright and sunny in the morning but protected from the sun during the afternoon.
Step 9: The soil should be amended with compost.
If they're exposed to a lot of water they can rot.It is possible to improve soil drainage by tilling 2 inches of compost into the garden bed before planting.Better blooms will be encouraged by this.Peat can be used instead of compost.Adding sand to the soil will improve drainage in areas with high clay content.The daisies can be planted in containers.
Step 10: There are holes for the seedlings.
Use a spade or hand to dig holes that are deep enough for the root ball.The crowns of the daisies will rot if you plant them too deep in the soil.The holes should be at least 30 to 46 cm apart to allow enough air between the plants.
Step 11: The daisies can be planted in the soil.
Remove the seeds from the trays and place them in the holes.Put the root ball in the ground and use your hands to firm the soil around the roots.
Step 12: Set the seedlings in the soil with water.
The plants will get wet if the soil is not watered.To keep the soil moist and not soggy, water the plants once a week.If you get water on the blooms or leaves, it can rot.Excess water will dry out during the day if you water in the morning.
Step 13: The daisies should be fertilized monthly.
It takes a lot of energy to produce large and beautiful flowers, and you can help the daisies by giving them regular nutrition.During the spring, summer, and early fall, add an all-purpose liquidfertilizer to the water.
Step 14: New blooms should be encouraged by removing dead flowers.
As the flowers bloom, watch them carefully so that you can cut them off.Cut flowers and leaves with garden shears.The plant will grow more flowers.If you want to keep from having to remove spent blooms, you can cut them when they are fresh.The flowers should last for several days if you keep them in water.
Step 15: A container with good drainage is what you should choose.
A container with lots of drainage holes is the most important thing when growing gerbera daisies in pots.You can easily move the plant outside if you choose the smallest pot.If you want to grow gerbera daisies in pots, you have to live in a cooler climate with cold fall and winter months, and a rainy climate where the plant will get too much water in the garden.
Step 16: The container should be filled with a light mix.
A well-draining and fertile soil, such as a potting mix with lots of peat, perlite, or vermiculite mixed in, is the ideal soil for gerbera daisies.To get the soil moist, fill the container with water and use a mister.
Step 17: The daisies are in the garden.
If you're moving the plant from the garden to a container, use a spade to gently dig the soil around the roots to loosen them.Lift the plant from the soil when the root has been loosened.
Step 18: The daisy can be planted in the pot.
A spade can be used to dig a hole.The hole should be big enough to hold the root ball.If you want to cover the roots with soil, transplant the daisy from the garden or the seed tray.To pack the soil around the roots, use your hands.
Step 19: The plant needs water every few days.
The soil is moist but never soggy.If you stick your finger into the soil, it's a good test.Water the plant if the soil feels dry.Leave it for another day or two.During the winter months, Gerbera daisies don't need as much water, but never let the soil dry out completely.
Step 20: The pot will get the sun in the morning.
The ideal temperature for gerbera daisies is 70 F, so you don't want them in the afternoon.If you want to provide them with enough light, you have to find a window that gets lots of direct morning sun, but that is shaded in the afternoon and only gets indirect light later on.During the warmer months of the year, you can leave the potted gerbera daisy outside in an area with similar lighting conditions.
Step 21: Monthly fertilization of the plant is required during growing periods.
In the spring and summer, the plants need additional nutrition.Before watering the plant, make sure the 15-5-15 is dissolved in the water.
Step 22: Old blooms.
Clean gardening shears can be used to remove the flowers from a plant.This will encourage the plant to grow new flowers.Dead leaves and foliage should be trimmed as they start to turn brown.