About Gerbera Daisy
Large, cheerful daisy-like flowers in vivid colors — red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and bicolor. Each flower can be 10-12 cm across on a tall, leafless stem. One of the world's most popular cut flowers and an excellent potted flowering plant. Gerbera Daisy belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from South Africa; commercially cultivated worldwide..
Gerbera is widely grown in the Philippine cut flower industry, especially in the cooler highlands of Benguet and Bukidnon. In Metro Manila, they perform best during the cooler months (November-February) or in morning-sun-only spots. Popular at flower markets in Dangwa (Manila) and Burnham Park (Baguio). As potted plants, they require more attention than typical tropical plants but reward with stunning blooms.
Also known as: African Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerbera jamesonii.
Popular Varieties
- Single-petal (classic daisy form)
- Double-petal (fuller, more petals)
- Spider gerbera (narrow quilled petals)
- Mini gerbera (compact, smaller flowers)
How to Plant Gerbera Daisy in the Philippines
Gerbera Daisy can be propagated through seeds, division, tissue culture. The recommended method is seeds or division of mature crowns.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix (needs light to germinate).
- Step 2: Keep consistently moist and warm (22-25°C).
- Step 3: Germination in 14-21 days. Transplant when seedlings have 3-4 true leaves.
- Step 4: For division: separate crowns of mature plants ensuring each piece has roots and a growing point.
- Step 5: Plant divisions at the same depth — crown rot occurs if planted too deeply.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full morning sun with afternoon shade (intense Philippine afternoon sun causes fading). Position your gerbera daisy where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil moist but never waterlogged. Water at the base — avoid wetting the crown and leaves. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-28°C (struggles above 32°C — Philippine lowland heat can be challenging). Moderate — good air circulation essential to prevent fungal issues The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing gerbera daisy outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
High-potassium liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during blooming. Avoid high nitrogen.
Pruning
Remove spent flower stalks at the base. Pick off dead leaves to improve air circulation around the crown.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Completely safe for all households.
Common Problems & Solutions
Crown rot
Cause: Planting too deep, overwatering, or water sitting on the crown
Solution: Plant with crown slightly above soil level. Water at the soil line only. Improve drainage.
Powdery mildew
Cause: Poor air circulation in humid Philippine conditions
Solution: Space plants apart. Improve ventilation. Remove affected leaves. Preventive fungicide spray.
Short flower stems
Cause: Insufficient light or root-bound conditions
Solution: Ensure adequate morning sun. Repot if root-bound. Feed with balanced fertilizer.
Heat stress (wilting, faded flowers)
Cause: Philippine midday heat exceeds gerbera's preferred range
Solution: Provide afternoon shade. Grow in elevated areas like Tagaytay/Baguio for best results. In Manila, grow in morning-sun-only spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Gerbera Daisy in the Philippines?
Gerbera Daisy needs full morning sun with afternoon shade (intense philippine afternoon sun causes fading). Water keep soil moist but never waterlogged. water at the base — avoid wetting the crown and leaves.. Feed with high-potassium liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during blooming. avoid high nitrogen.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-28°C (struggles above 32°C — Philippine lowland heat can be challenging) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Gerbera Daisy?
The recommended method is seeds or division of mature crowns. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix (needs light to germinate). Keep consistently moist and warm (22-25°C).
Is Gerbera Daisy toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Completely safe for all households.
Can Gerbera Daisy grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Gerbera Daisy grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Gerbera Daisy?
Common issues include: Crown rot (caused by planting too deep, overwatering, or water sitting on the crown — plant with crown slightly above soil level. water at the soil line only. improve drainage); Powdery mildew (caused by poor air circulation in humid philippine conditions — space plants apart. improve ventilation. remove affected leaves. preventive fungicide spray); Short flower stems (caused by insufficient light or root-bound conditions — ensure adequate morning sun. repot if root-bound. feed with balanced fertilizer).
Growing gerbera daisy in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!