How to Grow Potted Gerbera Daisies

Select a planting pot that has a diameter of at least 8 inches for a single plant. Plant multiple plants in a half-barrel, a window box or a large planter. Metal, plastic, clay, ceramic and wood are all suitable materials. Only use pots that have several drainage holes in the bottom.

Fill the planting pot to 1 inch below the lip of the pot with a light potting soil mix. Premixed potting soil is available at home and garden centers. For a homemade mix, combine 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part loamy garden soil. Most garden soil is unsuitable for container gardening without the addition of peat and perlite to improve drainage.

Scoop out a hole in the center of the pot large enough for the root ball of the Gerbera daisy. Make the hole as deep as the nursery pot the plant is in. When planting multiple plants in a single pot, space the plants 4 to 6 inches apart.

Turn the nursery pot on its side and, grasping the stem gently with one hand, squeeze the pot until the root ball slides free, keeping as much of the soil around the roots as possible. If the plants are very dry, add water to moisten the soil before removing the plants from the nursery pot.

Hold the plants over the hole with the base of the stem level with the soil line. Scoop out or add soil until the Gerbera daisy is sitting in the hole and the stem is level with the soil. Add soil around the roots and press down gently with the flat of your hand. Water after planting until liquid seeps from the drainage holes in the bottom.

Place the potted Gerbera daisies indoors in a sunny window where the plants get at least six hours of light per day. Keep the air temperature above 60 degrees F. In warm climates or in summer when the temperature remains above 60 degrees F, place the pots outdoors in full sun.

Fertilize every three to four weeks using a slow release 14-14-14 formula fertilizer. Check the package for application methods and amounts for the specific brand.

Water when the top 1/2 inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. In hot dry weather, daily or twice daily watering may be necessary, while overcast and wet weather will require little or no watering. Water outdoor plants in the morning or evening when the air is cooler. At each watering, soak the pot until water drains through the holes in the bottom.