Growing gerbera daisies from seed can be a rewarding but challenging experience for gardeners. As a gardener who has grown these bright flowers for years, I found the best way to grow them is by choosing good seeds, using the right ways to plant them, and keeping an eye on them daily.
To grow gerbera daisies from seed, you’ll need to collect fertilized seeds, plant them in a light seed-starting medium, and provide the right conditions and nutrients for germination. While it may take some trial and error, the result is a beautiful display of colorful blooms that can brighten any garden bed or fill out a bouquet.
Propagating Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are a little tricky to grow from seed, but you can definitely do it. Follow these tips for propagating and growing Gerbera daisies from seed in your garden.
- Collect Viable Seeds: This is the most important tip — your Gerbera daisy blossom will soon start to look like a dandelion, covered in seeds, but most of those seeds aren’t viable. The seeds look kind of like little brooms, with a hairy brush at one end and the seed at the other. Sort through the seeds, and choose only the ones with a fat, fertilized seed pod that cultivars have visited.
- Help Pollinate Flowers: To help your plant make more viable seeds, use a small brush (like a makeup brush) to spread pollen from flower to flower. Or when you cut a blossom to use in a flower arrangement, rub its face against another flower to help spread the pollen.
- Plant Seeds Now: Fresh seeds germinate better, so plant the seeds right away.
How to Plant and Grow Gerbera Daisy Seeds
Here are the steps I recommend taking to grow your Gerbera daisy seeds.
Step #1: Prepare Trays
Fill trays or small pots with a light seed starting medium, or make your own mix using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Dampen the root ball medium with water.
Step #2: Plant Seeds
Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the planting medium. Plant the Gerbera daisy seeds with the seed end pointing down and the little brush part just barely at the top of the potting soil.
Step #3: Grow Seeds
Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged and above 70° F, with eight hours or more of bright light per day. The easiest way to do this is to cover the trays with a clear plastic tent and place them indoors in a bright window or under grow lights. When the Gerbera daisy seeds germinate in two to three weeks, remove the plastic cover but keep the seedlings moist.
Step #4: Transplant Seedlings
After the Gerbera daisy seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, you can carefully transplant the sprouts to larger pots.
Step #5: Harden Plants
When it’s consistently warm outside, and the Gerbera daisy plants are hardy and growing, move the pots outdoors to a protected spot away from full sun for a few days (after the last frost) to get the young plants used to the breezes and temperature shifts found outside.
Step #6: Enjoy Flowers
At this point, you can leave the daisies in their pots or plant them in the yard. Locate the plants in a spot with plenty of morning sun and a little afternoon shade to keep them from wilting.
Feed the plants regularly during the growing season with a balanced organic matter and liquid fertilizer, and keep them watered but not soggy to avoid fungal diseases. Beautiful Gerbera daisy flowers can brighten up any garden.
Where Can You Get Gerbera Daisy Seeds?
You can get Gerbera daisy seeds from several sources — I recommend collecting seeds from existing plants for the freshest and most viable options.
Garden centers and online seed retailers also offer gerbera daisy seeds, often in different varieties. For best results, choose seeds from reputable suppliers or collect them from healthy, mature plants in your own garden or from fellow gardeners.
How Often You Should Water Gerbera Daisies
Proper watering is crucial for gerbera daisies — these plants prefer consistently moist soil but are susceptible to root rot or crown rot if you overwater them. Water your gerbera daisies deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil or mulch to dry between waterings.
During hot periods, you may need to water more frequently, especially for well-drained soil. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues and spider mites.
Do Gerbera Daisies Live in All Climates?
Gerbera daisies are native to tropical regions and thrive in warm, sunny climates. They’re best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where they can be grown as tender perennials (lives year-round) and bloom in the late spring.
In cooler zones, I’ve successfully grown them as annuals or brought them indoors during winter. These flowers prefer temperatures between 59°F and 73°F (15°C to 23°C) and struggle in extreme heat or cold.
Final Thoughts
Growing gerbera daisies from seed requires attention to detail and patience, but the result is worth the effort. By following the steps outlined in this guide – from selecting viable seeds to providing the right growing conditions – you can easily cultivate these cheerful flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow gerbera daisies in pots?
Yes, gerbera daisies grow well in pots and are great houseplants. Choose a container with good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix for best results.
How long does it take for gerbera daisy seeds to germinate?
Gerbera daisy seeds typically germinate in 2-3 weeks when kept at temperatures above 70°F (21°C) with consistent moisture and light.
How do I know if my gerbera daisy seeds are viable?
Viable gerbera daisy seeds have a fat, fertilized seed pod at one end. Look for seeds that are plump and feel heavy for their size.
Further Information
- How to Grow Dahlias in Your Garden (article)