Gerbera jamesonii, commonly known as the Transvaal daisy, is a South African native that brings bold, showy flowers to gardens across zones 8-10. This tender perennial grows as a stemless, clump-forming plant with dark green, spoon-shaped leaves that rise from a basal rosette, sending up naked flowering stems 12 to 18 inches tall. Each stem produces a solitary 4-inch daisy-like flower in red, yellow, or orange, appearing as either single or semi-double blooms. Though hardy outdoors only in warmer climates, it thrives as an annual in cooler regions when started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date.
18
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-10
18in H x 12in W
—
High
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The Transvaal daisy commands attention with its oversized, almost architectural blooms and tidy, architectural growth habit. Its low maintenance needs and reliable flowering make it a dependable performer in full sun or partial afternoon shade. The plant reaches just 12 to 18 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide, making it equally at home in the garden bed, raised bed, or container. Start seeds indoors and you'll be rewarded with vigorous plants that flower all season long with only deadheading to keep them tidy.
The Transvaal daisy is grown primarily as an ornamental flowering plant for garden beds, borders, and containers. Its long-stemmed flowers and extended bloom season make it valuable as a cut flower, though the catalog source does not provide specific information about this use. Gardeners in cooler climates grow it as a seasonal annual for reliable, showy color throughout the growing season.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Provide warm conditions and moist (not soggy) seed-starting mix to encourage germination.
Set transplants out into the garden or containers after the last frost date has passed. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart, allowing room for mature spread. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the growing season to maintain plant appearance and encourage continuous blooming. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves from the basal rosette as needed.
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“This species originates from South Africa, where it earned multiple common names reflecting its significance to gardeners worldwide. Known variously as gerbera daisy, Transvaal daisy (after the Transvaal region), and Barberton daisy, Gerbera jamesonii has become one of the world's most cultivated ornamental flowers. Its popularity in cultivation has led to countless cultivars bred for expanded color ranges and flower forms, though the original species remains a reliable, straightforward grower valued for its clean architecture and easy care.”