Rough Draft 12/7/2020
Intro
Gerbera daisies are a bright colorful flower with hues that vary but also include the colors red, pink, yellow, salmon, orange, and white. They are also known to originate in south Africa but can be found at most florist or shopping stores more common as a plant instead of cut flowers. This flowering plant has stems that are sturdier for being a compact plant which is ideal to be planted in a container garden, pot, or flower bed. These varieties of colored flowering plants are tender perennials and can be enjoyed in the spring and summer in any climate.
The Meaning of the Gerbera
The meaning stems from the well known daisy family and stands for innocence and purity, as well as being a classic symbol of beauty. This flower is also known to be the 5th most popular flower in the world. The gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which is attributed to their perky variety of colors. An assorted bouquet of gerbera daisies can quickly lift the spirit and are an ideal way to bring sunshine indoors or brighten someone’s day.
Gerbera Daisy Care
These flowers are known to resemble sunflowers because of their large flowering heads ( the diameter of the flower can grow between 2 – 5 inches). Gerberas don’t need too much attention, as they’re quite sturdy plants! Misting with a spray bottle regularly is a plus for growing indoors.
Sunlight:
Gerberas are huge fans of the sun. They prefer direct morning sun and afternoon shade. Unless you’re in temperatures of 80ºF and higher, allow the gerberas to receive more shade (at least two to three hours a day). If the gerbera is placed indoors, make sure to place inside a garden window or next to a window that receives direct bright sunlight. Your gerbera is perennial and with care your flowering plant can last upto 2 – 3 years.
Water
Deeply water gerbera daisies exactly once a week. To water deeply, a general rule of thumb is to soak at least eight inches below the soil surface. This is beneficial for gerberas since their roots grow deep into the soil. During hot summers (85ºF or higher), you may want to water your gerberas twice a week. From experience, If you’re leaving on vacation find a way to keep your gerberas watered to keep them flowering and living. They can look like the leaves are drooping if they are not being watered enough. After a dose of water they’ll perk right up.
Temperature
Gerbera daisies thrive best in temperatures between 70ºF and 75ºF. Since the gerbera daisy is a frost-tender perennial they can tolerate temperatures as low as 30ºF, but any frost will cause damage. Ideal temperatures are between 40ºF and 70ºF. Tip transplant healthy flowering plants to pots to keep indoors through the winter months if your area outdoors is known to receive frosty conditions or snow.
The gerbera daisy is definitely a beautiful bouquet of flowers to grow indoors, in or near a kitchen window. The bright colors from these blooms are vibrant enough to bring sunshine into your home.
Resource links
https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/start-seeds/how-to-grow-better-gerbera-daisies/