Grow gerbera daisy in a draining pot you can move indoors before frost. Keep the crown at the mix surface, and water at the base.
Grow it in a draining pot you can move
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | A pot with a drainage hole, large enough for the root ball but still easy to lift | A pot with no holes, or a saucer that stays full of water |
| Mix | A soilless mix with sand or perlite so water moves through fast | Garden soil packed in a pot — it stays wet and smothers roots |
| Crown | Crown at or slightly above the mix surface | Do not bury the crown under extra mix |
| Indoor light | A bright window. Direct hot glass can scorch petals | A dim corner that stops bloom and keeps the mix wet |
If garden soil stays wet, a container is the usual home, because you control the mix and you can carry the plant inside before a cold night. [1] jamesonii and a compact florist such as Jaguar Rose Picotee both want a hole in the pot and a mix that drains. [2] Sun and a dry crown for the genus are on How to Grow Gerbera Daisy.
What size pot does gerbera daisy need?
Use a pot with a drainage hole, only a little wider than the root ball. Compact florist plants fit a smaller pot; empty the saucer after you water.
How to keep a potted gerbera through summer
Set the pot in morning sun. Water when the top inch of mix is dry, and feed lightly through the warm months.
- Use a soilless mix with sand or perlite. Set the crown at or slightly above the mix. [3]
- Water at the base when the top inch feels dry. Empty the saucer. A pot dries faster than a bed in heat.
- Feed a bloom fertilizer at half strength during active growth. Ease off if leaves go dark and bloom stalls.
Bring the pot in before frost
A freeze kills the crown. Move the pot inside before nights drop toward frost, and keep it cool and barely moist in a bright window. [4]
- Before a cold night, carry the pot inside, or dig a bed plant and pot it in draining mix.
- Keep it cool and barely moist — a bright room or a garage that stays above freezing is enough.
- Water only enough that the mix does not go bone-dry. Stop heavy feeding until spring growth resumes.
- Move the pot back outdoors after the last frost. Harden it for a few days first.
When do I bring the pot inside?
Move it before nights drop toward frost. Waiting for the first freeze is too late.
If a freeze is in the forecast, carry the pot inside tonight — a cold night kills the crown.
FAQ
Can I keep the pot in a garage?
Yes, if the garage stays above freezing. Keep the mix barely moist. A bright window is more reliable if you want winter leaves.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Clemson HGIC -
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/gerbera-daisy/ - [2] Old Farmer's Almanac -
https://www.almanac.com/plant/gerbera-daisies - [3] Gardener's Path -
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/grow-gerbera-daisies/ - [4] Scotts Miracle-Gro -
https://scottsmiraclegro.com/en-us/learn/gardening/how-to-grow-gerbera-daisies-indoors.html
This note is part of Gerbera Guides.
More container notes by plant live in Container Growing Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors