Barberton Daisy Growing Guide

Gerbera jamesonii

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH

Position

Partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Barberton daisies can tolerate light frost if well-mulchedbut are killed by winter temperatures below -6°C (20°F).

Feeding

Where Barberton daisies are perennial, mulch over the plants’ root zones with rich compost just as the new growth emerges in spring. In containers, feed them monthly with a liquid plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Barberton daisies are grown from seed sown in spring and summer, either directly or in seed trays. Hybrids can only be propagated by division, as they will not gow true from seed. Alternatively, buy plants at a local garden centre when they are on the brink of bloom, and enjoy them as blooming potted plants. They thrive in summer rainfall regions; particularly in areas with warm summer days and cool nights. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Barberton daisies need excellent drainage. If drainage is not good, rather grow them in containers.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Barberton daisies grow wild in eastern Mpumalanga and southern Limpopo. Its common name comes from the old gold-rush town of Barberton, where it grows in profusion.

Harvesting

Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them. When trimmed and reset in fresh water every two days, gerbera daisies will last more than a week in a vase.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Barberton Daisy

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail