This article may contain some affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on any of teh links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Gerbera daisy flower’s striking appearance adds cheerful beauty to any space, which is why most homeowners prefer it to be a potted plant indoors.
In most homes, you see gerbera on an indoor windowsill, probably at the South and west-facing windows.
But can a gerbera daisy be planted outside?
Of course, it can. Garbera can thrive both indoors and outdoors. You can make a bold statement with it in the patio pots and windowboxes.
It also adds a nice contrast to your small gardens, sheltered urban, tropical borders, and summer bedding. They collaborate most with small ornamental grasses and foliage plants, giving them tropical-looking blooms.
WARNING! But there is a part of planting gerbera outside you MUST know.
What Are Gerberas?
Gerbera daisies are tender perennials with bold daisy flowers in different shades of pink, yellow, white, red, lavender, orange, salmon, and bi-colored.
However, the center floral dish is yellowish, black, or light-bronze.
They are closely related to marigolds and sunflowers but are TRUE members of the aster family —a native to South Africa.
In addition, gerberas grow up to 30–60cm (1–2ft) tall with sturdy stems with low clumps of leaves. This is why it is often appreciated in front of borders and containers since they create a colorful summer display.
They love their spaces, so keep them at least 30cm (1ft) apart.
More importantly, gerberas are delicate. Therefore they are often groomed as houseplants or temporary summer plants outdoors.
Can A Gerbera Daisy Be Planted Outside?
While you could enjoy the paradise-like aura it brings to your yard, not all gerbera can survive the outdoors since they are sensitive flowers.
I’m talking about the Tender gerberas in particular.
No doubt, they love their good sun lights. But direct sun during the summer can scorch them. They stand a better chance indoors.
Winter months are often the most terrifying. You must take them indoors before the night temperature drops below 5°C (41°F).
That said, they ONLY can be temporarily grown outdoors —especially from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
However the rest of the season, you must exercise this indoor and outside practice, depending on your local weather conditions.
But in general, Gerbera Daisy appreciates the outdoor cruise in spring night temperatures.
And don’t forget to give them a sufficiently warm, sheltered, sunny spot.
Hardy gerberas, on the other hand, thrive in these conditions.
You can risk leaving them outside over winter if you live in areas with mild climates. Still, you must protect them with a thick mulch or cloche.
Most gardens go as far as wrapping the containers with bubble wrap or fleece to insulate the roots.
What To Consider When Opting For Gerbera Daisy
That is fine if you desire to nurse a gerbera daisy from its seed. But they demand the utmost care and precision.
However, if you have plans to get already grown daisy, here is what you have to know:
You can purchase them as fully established plants in containers or as small plug pants.
Most homeowners often get them as plug plants, pot them up, and care for them indoors for months —not until they are strong enough to live outside.
They are usually available in spring and late winter through mail-order suppliers.
However, containerized gerbera are mostly bought online or from garden centers during the summer and spring.
Unlike the plug, they come in full flowers, ready for instant display, although they are more pricier. Also, take note of the “tender” and “hardy” types. The hardy ones can be planted outdoors permanently —especially if it is the ‘Everlast Series’ and ‘Garvinea Series.
While you might be thrilled to get your first gerbera daisy, you should tighten your fist up for the problems upfront.
There will ALWAYS be a sap-feeding pest attack on the foliage. Thus, you have to be on the lookout. Inspect for red spider mites, whitefly, or aphids on your gerbera and remove them immediately.
NOTE: training this plant in a damp or poorly ventilated space is a surefire way to attract fungal diseases and rot.
You want to avoid watering the crown and the foliage when watering. And never let the containers flood with water for long —especially not in winter.
The good news is you don’t need pruning and training. You just have to deadhead faded flowers and snap off any fading or damaged leave to encourage new ones.
Conclusion
However, if you are still worried about its seasonal availability, the flowering houseplants are sure-plug for getting any Gerberas all year round.
Although, you may have to pay extra.
And you might also be wondering how long gerbera daisies last outside.
Well, it can live up to three years under the proper care. I have seen gardeners extend their gerbera’s life by repotting it every once a year.
Related:
