Do Gerbera Daisy Come Back Every Year? Regrowth Tips for Perennial and Annual Types

With their vibrant, eye-catching blooms in colors like hot pink, sunny yellow, and bold red, it’s no wonder gerbera daisies are a favorite flower for gardens, planters, and bouquets. Many gardeners excitedly plant these beauties in spring, only to wonder later in the season – will my gerbera daisies come back next year? The answer depends on where you live and how you care for them. Let’s explore what it takes to get gerbera daisies to return year after year.

Are Gerbera Daisies Annuals or Perennials?

Gerbera daisies can be grown as either annuals or perennials, depending on your climate:

• In zones 8-10, they are perennials that regrow vigorously each spring. With proper care, they bloom repeatedly summer through fall.

• In zones 7 and colder, gardeners grow gerbera daisies as annuals. They last for one season before being killed off by freezing winter temperatures.

So in warmer climates, gerbera daisies reliably come back every year when cared for correctly. But in colder zones, new plants must be purchased or started from seed yearly.

Getting Perennial Gerbera Daisies to Return

In zones 8-10 where winters stay frost-free, gerbera daisies can re-bloom for many years Follow these tips to ensure their return each spring

• Plant in spring – Set out nursery plants after the last expected frost when soil warms up Avoid fall planting

• Provide sun and rich soil – Grow in full sun to partial afternoon shade. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.

• Water thoroughly – Give 1-2 inches of water weekly. Avoid soggy soil that causes rot.

• Fertilize regularly – Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growth.

• Deadhead flowers – Prune spent blooms to encourage new buds.

• Divide crowded clumps – In spring, divide rootbound plants to rejuvenate growth.

• Mulch for winter – Apply a thick layer of mulch over plants in fall to protect from cold.

• Cut back foliage – Trim off foliage 1 inch above soil before first frost. New leaves and flowers emerge in spring.

With conscientious care, perennial gerbera daisies continue dazzling the garden year after year in warm climates.

Getting Gerbera Daisies to Bloom Again as Annuals

For gardeners in colder zones like 4-7, gerbera daisies must be replanted annually. But with proper care during their growing season, you can maximize their flowering performance:

• Start new plants indoors in early spring, or purchase starter plants once frost danger has passed. Select compact, bushy plants.

• Transplant into garden beds or containers in full sun (at least 6 hours daily). Space 12-15 inches apart.

• Prepare soil by mixing in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.

• Add a balanced granular fertilizer at planting time to support growth.

• Water frequently, about 1-2 inches per week. Don’t let soil dry out.

• Feed plants with a bloom-boosting liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming into fall.

• In fall, prune plants back near the ground and discard – don’t expect regrowth next spring.

Annual gerbera daisies should flower prolifically all summer long with proper planting and care. Pinching off dead blooms keeps them looking their best. Come fall, it’s time to say goodbye and start fresh next year.

How Long Do Gerbera Daisies Bloom For?

Regardless of whether you grow them as perennials or annuals, individual gerbera daisy blooms last up to two weeks if cared for properly. However, the total blooming period depends on your climate:

• In zones 8-10, gerbera daisies bloom spring through fall, from March-October typically. This long flowering season makes them ideal perennials.

• In colder zones where they are annuals, gerbera daisies bloom from late spring through fall frost, generally June-September. Give them a head start indoors for faster flowering.

Deadheading faded blooms as they finish extends overall bloom time. So does providing ample sunlight, fertilizer, and ideal growing conditions.

Do Gerbera Daisies Come Back from Their Roots?

In zones where gerbera daisies die back each winter, many gardeners wonder – will they regrow from their remaining roots next year? Unfortunately, gerbera daisies do not reliably return from their root system alone in cold climates. The foliage and stems are killed off by freezing temperatures.

To get gerbera daisies to bloom again in cold zones, gardeners must:

• Start new plants from seed indoors in late winter/early spring.

• Purchase new starter plants or nursery transplants and plant them after the threat of frost has passed.

• Dig up rhizomes or root divisions from existing plants and replant in spring. But the roots often don’t survive winter.

The plants’ tropical origins mean their aboveground growth and overall vigor declines once cold weather sets in, preventing regrowth the following season.

Regrowing Gerbera Daisies from Cuttings

While gerbera daisies don’t reliably return from their roots alone in cold climates, taking cuttings from existing plants is one way to propagate more for next year. Here’s a quick guide:

• In late summer, take 3-4 inch tip cuttings from vigorous, healthy stems. Remove the lower leaves.

• Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth.

• Plant the cuttings a few inches deep in pots with seed starting mix.

• Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist.

• In about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and formed new plantlets.

• Transplant the new plants into the garden in spring after hardening them off.

This method lets you generate brand new gerbera daisy plants using cuttings from your existing flowers. Taking cuttings in late summer gives them time to root before frost hits.

Troubleshooting Gerbera Daisies That Don’t Come Back

Sometimes gerbera daisies fail to return reliably, even in warmer zones. Issues like improper care, pests, and diseases can prevent regrowth.

Here are some potential reasons gerbera daisies don’t come back and solutions:

• Insufficient sunlight – Full sun is required. Move to a sunnier spot.

• Poor drainage – Improve soil structure by adding compost; avoid overwatering.

• Underfertilizing – Feed plants regularly to fuel growth and flowering.

• Failure to mulch – Winter cold may damage plants if not insulated by mulch layer.

• Pests like mites – Check undersides of leaves and treat infestations early.

• Diseases like botrytis – Improve airflow. Remove and destroy infected plants.

• Extreme cold – Harsh winters may kill plants that are borderline hardy. Protect with row cover fabric.

Addressing issues like improper care, drainage problems, lack of nutrition, cold damage, and pest/disease pressure can help get gerbera daisies thriving again.

Can You Plant Gerbera Daisy Bulbs?

Unlike true bulbs like tulips and daffodils, gerbera daisies do not form underground storage organs. However, large, overwintering gerbera daisy rhizomes in warm climates can be dug up, divided, and replanted to propagate more plants.

Here’s a quick how-to:

• In early spring, dig up mature gerbera daisy clumps carefully with a shovel.

• Shake off excess soil and remove dead roots and leaves.

• Gently separate the root mass into smaller sections using a knife or pruners. Each section should have some roots and growth buds attached.

• Replant the divisions 8-12 inches apart in prepared garden beds. Water well.

• Care for the new plants normally. They will establish roots and foliage quickly.

Dividing overgrown clumps revitalizes gerbera daisies and yields more plants. It’s an easy way to propagate additional flowers.

Key Takeaways on Gerbera Daisy Regrowth

• In zones 8-10, gerbera daisies are perennials and regrow from roots each spring if mulched and cared for properly.

• In colder climates, gerbera daisies die back completely in winter and must be replanted annually. They don’t reliably regrow from remaining roots.

• Take cuttings in summer or divide existing plants in spring to propagate more for next year’s garden.

• Ensure full sun, rich soil, ample fertilizer, and frequent watering to encourage prolific blooming.

• Deadhead spent flowers to extend overall bloom time.

• Address issues like pests, diseases, and drainage problems to get struggling plants thriving again.

With smart planting, attentive care, and propagation techniques, you can enjoy gerbera daisies’ gorgeous blooms again and again, whether you garden in a warm or cold climate.