Gerbera Daisy

I love daisies. I wore them in my hair and carried gerberas as a bouquet, just three long stemmed white gerberas – beautiful. I love to put them in the house when I can – but only from the florist, I very rarely if ever, cut anything from my garden to put in the house. I like them outside, it encourages me to be outside more – especially after all day in the office! So why not grow my own. Easier said than done!

After the first one I killed (which I never do), I considered this may need some special care and I went and found it. First, they are from South Africa, so they like a lot of sun and less water than one would think. They like well drained soil and are prone to powdery mildew. Once again, if you water the base and not the leaves you can avoid this fungus. But I do use a light fungicide once in a while to prevent them even thinking of growing this fungus. Eugene Joiner (I hope thats right!) who has wonderful gardens in West Palm Beach on Jog Road (go and see – it is a must) recommends using nothing. When the fungus kills off the leaves, they will grow back fresh and new. I, however, have never been accused of patience. So I have mine in soil with rocks underneath for drainage. I almost let them wilt with dryness before watering and I clip them back when required.

I like to keep seeds and use them to replant. But with these I have only ever found hybrids and these do not seed at all. Look at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG034 for more information on growing and caring for these lovely flowers.

Enjoy the large colourful gerbera daisy!