What do I need to do to get my Gerbera daisies to bloom?
Sharon Asked
What do I need to do to get my Gerbera daisies to bloom? They look healthy but no blooms!
The Gardener’s Answer
Gerbera daisies provide vibrant color in the summer garden. Each plant has different growing requirements and Gerbera daisies are no different. They prefer to grow in full sun, which means they should receive six hours of sunlight each day. These annuals prefer moist, well-drained soil. It sounds like your plants are very happy but may need some encouragement to produce more blooms. Have you fertilized lately? Our annuals benefit from a weekly liquid food, or if you prefer a granular, slow-release food that only needs one application per season. Over fertilizing can have the reverse effect in terms of flowers so it is important to follow recommended application rates for the product you are using, either granular or liquid.
Gerbera daisies are subject to powdery mildew, a fungal issue. Ideally watering should be done in the morning or afternoon while the sun is still out and the foliage can dry off before nightfall. When we water at night the foliage does not have a chance to dry off and fungal problems are more likely to occur. A well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 will be sufficient. For now, remove all spent blooms, water well, feed, and wait. Your daises should produce new flowers soon.
