If you have seen the bright and bold gerbera daisy in a bouquet or just on its own, you know this flower can effectively brighten your day. Perhaps you love these flowers enough that you want to try to grow them in your garden.
However, if you plant these flowers one year, will they come up the year after? Read on to learn if gerbera daisies will come back every year after you plant them.
What Are Gerbera Daisies?
Gerbera daisies, also known by their scientific name, Gerbera jamesonii, originated in South Africa. They are closely related to Asters and Sunflowers. These plants can grow between 10 to 18 inches tall or 9 to 12 inches wide. They usually bloom in the summer and autumn.
Each bloom is fairly large and can be one of several varieties, including single flower, semi-double flower, double flower, and spider flower. Each of those blooms has a different shape, the number of petals, and the shape of petals. They can be red, orange, yellow, pink, or white.
Do Gerbera Daisies Come Back Every Year?
Gerbera daisies do not always come back every year. However, they can as long as you grow them under the right conditions and temperatures. Since they are native to South Africa, they can only come back year after year, or grow as perennials, if you grow them in warm zones.
While they can do well as annuals, which only grow for a season, they can grow as perennials in USDA zones 8 through 10. They can withstand temperatures over 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. Under those conditions, these flowers can grow all year round.
If you live in a colder zone and want to have access to gerbera daisies throughout the year, consider planting them outside in warm weather in containers. As the weather gets colder you can bring those containers inside so they will have access to a more controlled environment. It is vital to provide these plants with plenty of sun and any necessary fertilization.
How Can I Give Gerbera Daisies the Best Chance for Survival?
To get gerbera daisies that will live for a long time, plant seeds or start in the spring after the risk of frost subsides. They do best in containers or raised beds so they are not directly in the cold soil of the earth.
For best results, plant the seeds or starts for this plant in neutral to acidic soil with good drainage in an area with partial to full sun. If you live in a hotter zone, avoid planting these flowers in full sun.
You can plant these flowers using either seeds or starts. While both options will yield lovely results, you may want to opt for starts if you plant in a colder zone. The reason for that choice of seeds can sometimes be slow to yield good results. Seeds can work well in warmer areas where they have time to develop and can offer results throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Gerbera daisies are gorgeous blooms that can brighten up anyone’s day. You can even grow these vibrant flowers in your garden when you do so in a warm environment under the right conditions. Follow the instructions in this article to get access to your own enduring perennial gerbera daisies.