Grab some Gerberas for a blooming great display

A little background

Gerberas belong to the daisy family and are perennials. They’re right at home in Perth’s climate because their ancestors come from Africa, South America and tropical Asia. The varieties you’ll see in gardens today are the result of clever hybridisation, giving us that rainbow of colours.

General care

• Plant gerberas in full sun for the best display.
• They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6–6.5) and like to stay damp but not soggy, as too much water can lead to rot.
• Watering every couple of days usually does the trick, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them during hot spells.
• On extreme summer days, give them a bit of shade if possible, or a fine misting of water to cool them down.
• Feed with a small amount of slow-release fertiliser every two to three weeks. Less is more here – too much fertiliser means you’ll get loads of leaves but fewer flowers. A good rule to remember is ‘little and often’.
• Gerberas also thrive in pots, which is handy if you’re short on space. Use a quality potting mix, keep the soil moist and move the pots into shade during heatwaves. The bonus of pot-growing is that you have more control over watering and fertilising.

Dividing for healthy plants

• Dividing gerberas once a year keeps them vigorous. While you can divide them any time, late spring is the most common.
• To divide, dig up the plant, shake off the soil and remove any flowers, buds or unhealthy leaves.
• You’ll notice two or three natural divisions, which can be gently teased apart. Trim about one-third off the leaves and roots with clean scissors.
• Start new divisions in small pots and place them in semi-shade for a few weeks before gradually moving them into full sun.
• After 6–9 months, they can be replanted into 200mm pots or straight into the garden, always with fresh, free-draining mix. Aim not to leave more than two years between divisions.

Keeping fungal problems at bay

Gerberas can be prone to fungal disease, so regular inspections are important. Remove old flower stalks and diseased leaves as soon as you spot them. Don’t cut stems off at the base – this leaves them open to infection. Instead, reach down and gently twist the stem out. If cutting is unavoidable, leave a 3–4cm stub and twist it away once it dies back. Always dispose of removed material straight away in a sealed bag to prevent spores from spreading.