What Do You Do With Gerbera Daisies In The Winter

What you do with gerbera daisies in the winter depends on your climate and whether you want to keep them alive until spring.
 
These cheerful flowers are tender perennials that won’t survive freezing temperatures outdoors.
 
So what do you do with gerbera daisies in the winter if you live in a cold region?
 
You have several options including bringing them indoors, storing them dormant, or simply treating them as annuals.
 
In this post we’ll explore what to do with gerbera daisies in winter so your plants come back strong next season.
 
Let’s dig into gerbera daisies in the winter and how to keep them thriving.
 

What To Do With Gerbera Daisies In The Winter

What you do with gerbera daisies in the winter really comes down to three main approaches.
 
Each method works depending on your setup and how much effort you want to invest.
 
Here are the best ways to handle gerbera daisies in the winter months.
 

1. Bring Gerbera Daisies Indoors as Houseplants

The most popular approach is bringing your gerbera daisies indoors before the first frost.
 
What you do with gerbera daisies in the winter indoors is treat them like any other houseplant.
 
Dig up the plants carefully and pot them in containers with good drainage.
 
Place them near a bright window where they get plenty of indirect sunlight.
 
Gerbera daisies in the winter need less water than they do in summer so let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
 
Keep them away from drafts and heating vents to avoid shocking the foliage.
 
With this method your gerbera daisies may even produce a few blooms during the cold months.
 

2. Overwinter Gerbera Daisies in a Cool Dark Space

If you don’t want to care for active plants all winter you can store your gerbera daisies dormant.
 
What to do with gerbera daisies in winter using this method is simple: let them rest.
 
After the first frost cut back the foliage to about two inches above the crown.
 
Dig up the plants and shake off excess soil from the roots.
 
Place the bare-root plants in a box filled with peat moss or dry sand.
 
Store the box in a cool dark location like a garage or basement that stays between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
Check on them once a month and mist lightly if the roots look shriveled.
 
Your gerbera daisies in winter storage will wake up ready to plant when spring arrives.
 

3. Treat Gerbera Daisies as Annuals in Cold Climates

Sometimes the easiest answer to what do you do with gerbera daisies in the winter is letting them go.
 
If you live in zones seven or colder gerbera daisies won’t survive the winter outdoors.
 
Many gardeners simply enjoy them as annuals and replant fresh ones each spring.
 
This option works well if you don’t have space indoors or a cool storage area.
 
While it means saying goodbye to your plants it also saves you the hassle of winter care.
 
You can compost the old plants and look forward to buying new varieties next season.
 

Caring For Gerbera Daisies In The Winter Indoors

If you choose to bring your gerbera daisies inside they need specific care to thrive.
 
What do you do with gerbera daisies in the winter once they’re in your home?
 
Follow these tips to keep them healthy until spring.
 

Light Requirements for Gerbera Daisies in Winter

Gerbera daisies in the winter crave bright light but not harsh direct sun.
 
A south-facing window is ideal but east or west windows work too.
 
If your home doesn’t get enough natural light consider using a grow light.
 
Place the light about six inches above the plants and run it for twelve to fourteen hours daily.
 
Your gerbera daisies in winter will respond with strong leaves and maybe even buds.
 

Watering Gerbera Daisies During Winter Months

Overwatering is the biggest mistake people make with gerbera daisies in the winter.
 
What you do with gerbera daisies in the winter regarding water is cut way back.
 
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
 
Always water at the base of the plant to keep the crown and leaves dry.
 
Wet crowns lead to rot which is a common killer of gerbera daisies indoors.
 
Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots during winter.
 

Humidity and Temperature for Gerbera Daisies in Winter

Indoor air gets dry in winter and gerbera daisies prefer moderate humidity.
 
Place a humidity tray or small humidifier near your plants to help.
 
Grouping plants together also creates a microclimate with higher moisture.
 
Keep the temperature between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night.
 
Avoid placing your gerbera daisies near cold windows or heat sources.
 
Consistent conditions help your gerbera daisies in winter stay stress-free.
 

Fertilizing Gerbera Daisies in the Winter

What do you do with gerbera daisies in the winter when it comes to feeding?
 
The answer is very little compared to the growing season.
 
Fertilize only once a month with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half strength.
 
Stop fertilizing altogether if your plants go dormant or stop growing.
 
Overfeeding gerbera daisies in winter can lead to weak leggy growth.
 
Resume regular feeding in early spring when new growth appears.
 

Preparing Gerbera Daisies For Spring After Winter

When winter ends it’s time to transition your gerbera daisies back outdoors.
 
What to do with gerbera daisies in winter storage when spring approaches is gradually wake them up.
 
Start by moving dormant plants to a brighter warmer spot about four weeks before the last frost.
 
Begin watering more frequently as you see new growth emerge.
 
For indoor plants harden them off by setting them outside for a few hours each day.
 
Increase outdoor time gradually over a week or two so they adjust.
 
Plant them back in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
 
Your gerbera daisies will reward you with vigorous growth and colorful blooms.
 

So What Do You Do With Gerbera Daisies In The Winter

What you do with gerbera daisies in the winter depends on your climate and your preference.
 
You can bring them indoors as houseplants store them dormant in a cool space or let them go as annuals.
 
Each method has its benefits and your choice comes down to how much effort you want to invest.
 
If you have the space bringing gerbera daisies indoors keeps them alive and blooming through winter.
 
If not storing them dormant is a low-maintenance option that still saves your plants.
 
And if neither works for you treating them as annuals is perfectly fine too.
 
Hope this post helped you understand what to do with gerbera daisies in winter.
 
Now you can enjoy your gerbera daisies year after year with the right winter care.