Gerbera Daisies

The long, supported stems of Gerber daisies make them an excellent candidate for cut flowers.

Gerbera daisies are unique. Unlike the white and yellow daises everybody knows, this family of daises is loaded with color and funky foliage--sure to liven up any sunny spot, whether in your garden or in a pot on a patio. Gerbera daisies are long-lasting flowers that look like satin. They're native to South Africa, which means they can be grown as perennials only in the warmest part of the country. Don't let that stop you. They can be grown as annuals or indoor houseplants everywhere else.

When you go to the garden center to buy your Gerbera daisies, you'll be tempted to pick the ones that are blooming. Try to pick the ones that just have buds. You'll be able to enjoy the blooms that much longer.

As far as planting goes, it's like anything else. You need well-drained soil. Very carefully remove the plant from its pot and loosen up the roots from the bottom. Then plant it in a container or in the garden. For an added touch, take a light, delicate annual such as gypsophila, which is baby's breath. Plant it around the Gerbera daisy to soften the edges.

Be sure to keep a Gerbera daisy in a sunny location. On hotter days, you may have to water it twice a day. Feed it once a week with a diluted fertilizer, and this plant will be one that you grow to love.

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-633
•	Simple Organic Gardening Techniques
•	Window Boxes
•	How to Pour a Concrete Pad
•	Pressed Flower Gifts From the Garden
•	Gerbera Daisies