| Thanks for all the responses to my never ending queries. I have a potted gerbera daisy which had its first winter experience this year and all the leaves dried out.. But till now it has not sprouted any new green leaves. Is it too early for Gerbera to spring back to life or should i add growth promoting nutrients now for good healthy plant? I dont mind if it doesnt flower but i dont want it to die. |
| Glad you've found our advice helpful! I'm afraid I don't have very good news for you this time. Gerbera jamesonii or Transvaal daisy is native to South Africa so it won't survive your winter weather. Gerbera's thrive in full sun and rich soil with excellent drainage. They prefer a thorough watering and then dry soil, followed by a flooding again. The plants need frequent feeding during the growing season and will produce new leaves and flowers if the old leaves and flowers are pinched off regularly. Your Gerbera probably perked up because it was given all the right conditions in the garden. If it could winter outdoors it would eventually spread to form big clumps. But, it isn't hardy enough in your area to remain the the ground all year. Most Gerbera's are discarded at the end of the season, or potted up and taken into a bright room or a cool greenhouse. Provide average household warmth, bright light and moist soil throughout the winter. Many gardeners opt for collecting seeds in the autumn, sowing them indoors and having a full-grown plant ready for transplanting outdoors in the late spring. If you're potting yours up to take indoors, bring it in at night and take it back out during the day as long as the temperatures remain above 60F, leaving it out for shorter and shorter periods of time each day. This acclimation period will make the transition from outdoors to indoors less stressful on your plant. Good luck with your new Gerbera! |
