Ins and outs of growing gerbera daisies

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Q. I’ve been growing purchased gerbera daisies outdoors for the summer and bringing the pots indoors in October. I set them at a window and keep them watered. They stay green and sometimes even produce the odd bloom, but when I set them out again in the spring the plants practically fade away before putting on fresh growth. Sometimes it isn’t until late summer that they resume full growth and flowering. Any suggestions?

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A. Gerberas are tender perennials native to South Africa. I’ve only ever grown them as annuals. The plants can be difficult to overwinter.

Indoors in winter, bright indirect light and cool room temperatures (around 15 C) are ideal. Over-watering in winter, when the soil should be kept just barely moistened, is a common problem causing setback in the plants. Another issue that arises often to adversely affect gerberas is burying the plant crowns, which should be kept slightly above soil level.

New gerbera plants are fairly easy to produce from seed. All the new seed lists are not out yet, but they can be found online. Currently, a Canadian source is Veseys Seeds on Prince Edward Island. Not all U.S sources ship to Canada. Click on “Shipping” information, located usually at the bottom of the home page of a company’s website.

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Q. Though I’ve seen fall seeding recommended for broad beans at the coast, my fall seedings have failed. Why?

A. Growing conditions, such as poor drainage of excess soil moisture, could be a factor, and not all broad bean varieties do well with fall seeding. The Salt Spring Seeds website notes which ones among their listings to choose for fall sowing. Seed packets may also contain this information.

I aim instead for seedings as early as possible in the year. In the past few years, every seed I planted has germinated and developed into a productive plant — from an outdoor seeding made usually in February, but sometimes January if conditions permit.

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