Gerbera Daisy Cut Flower Care in 7 Quick Steps

Last Updated on February 25, 2024

Gerbera daisies add a bold splash of color to any space. Here are some simple steps to ensure they will last as long as possible.

gerbera daisies

Caring For Gerbera Daisies In A Vase

Gerbera daisies, also known as Barberton daisies or Transvaal daisies, have steadily increased among flower lovers over the last several years.

Their big, bold blooms come in a rainbow of colors and have become trendy, either enjoyed alone in an elegant glass vase or in colorful flower arrangements.

So much so that growers have had to step up their production of these fresh flowers yearly to meet the increased demand.

With so many bright colors, they are especially popular with DIY brides, who can buy gerberas online at very reasonable prices.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, a colorful gerbera daisy bouquet is a chic and thoughtful way to mark the moment.

The enduring appeal of these flowers lies in their longevity, making them a cost-effective option for brightening up any space or event.

Are Gerbera Daisies A Long-Lasting Flower?

With proper care and handling, you can expect fresh-cut blooms to have a 7-10 day average vase life.

Here are the steps you should follow when conditioning gerbera flowers to ensure they will last as long as possible.

Gerbera Daisy Care Tips

  1. Remove the protective plastic cups (if used) from the flower.
  2. While holding the stems underwater in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp, clean floral knife or shears and dip the end of the newly-cut stem in Floralife Quick Dip. DO NOT let the newly cut ends dry before transferring them to your arrangement or another container.
  3. Immediately place your gerbera daisies in a clean vase to which you have added a warm flower preservative solution (about 100 degrees F). Leave them in a cool, dark room or refrigerator to hydrate or ‘condition’ for 2 or 3 hours before arranging.
  4. Temperature is also key to the longevity of gerbera daisies. Display your fresh-cut gerbera daisy arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
  5. Check the water level daily. Gerbera daisies are thirsty flowers. It is important to check that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. Be sure any floral foam materials used are completely saturated, and the container is full daily. It’s important to keep an eye out for any sign of water deprivation because once it starts, you may not be able to revive your gerberas.

Fresh water, to which a good commercial floral preservative has been added, is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut gerbera daisies.

Alternative flower preservative recipes use a mix of lemon juice, sugar, and bleach. You could use them in a pinch, but they are not as effective as a commercial solution.

Besides, consumer packets of flower food usually are included with every flower purchase today. 

Flower food will provide additional days of vase life, but don’t add it to the vase. Preservative solutions will not work unless mixed with the proper amount of water. 

I suggest mixing the packet of floral food with the recommended amount of water in a separate container according to the directions. Use that water to fill your vase, and save the rest for refilling the vase later on.

If the stems need straightening, suspend or hang them in the vase using a wire mesh grid, making sure the stems do not touch the bottom of the vase.

suspending gerberas using a grid
Click the image for more info

How to Keep Gerbera Daisies from Drooping

To keep those gerbera daisies standing tall and proud, you’ve got to start with a squeaky clean vase, no exceptions. Metal or plastic just won’t cut it – it’s all about the glass. Those cute daisies deserve the best.

Fill that vase up with water so fresh and clean it sparkles. Take a sharp knife to those stems, giving them a good fresh cut. And don’t forget to top up with water and a floral preservative every 1 to 2 days. It’s like a spa day for your flowers.

Gerbera daisies, with their delicate hollow stems, can be a bit high maintenance. Their stems are prone to getting clogged up with air and bacteria, stopping that much-needed water uptake. And that’s when the drooping starts.

But don’t worry, I’ve got a little flower hack up my sleeve you can try. A tiny pin gently piercing through the stem about an inch below the head can work wonders.

It’s like a wake-up call for those daisies. Gently remove the pin and pop them back in the vase with fresh water and a floral preservative and watch the magic happen in just an hour or so.

Of course, there are no guarantees in the flower world. If the stem is already feeling a bit floppy and the petals are starting to wilt, it might be game over. Prevention is key when it comes to keeping those daisies perky.

And let’s not forget about the weight of those flower heads. They can also cause the flower to droop. Sometimes they need a little extra support using flower straws or floral wire.

But with the right care from the get-go, you can skip the straws and wires altogether. Keep those flowers hydrated and happy, and they’ll reward you with their vibrant blooms.

Gerbera Daisy Care
These care instructions are printed on the box our gerbs arrive in!

The video below includes a few of the “secrets” that professional florists like myself use when processing, rehydrating, and handling damaged gerbera daisies.

Following the steps outlined above and in the video will help you to be able to extend the enjoyment and value of your gerbera daisy purchase.

How Much Do Gerbera Daisies Cost?

Gerbera daisy prices vary depending on where you buy them. Florists often sell them for $4-$5 per stem, while other outlets like grocery store floral departments sell them in consumer bunches of either 5 or 10 stems for $8 – $12 per bunch.

Online prices vary by the number of items purchased, variety, and color. Prices vary but range from $1.50 to $4.50 per flower.

While online sources generally offer better pricing on gerberas, unless you need 80 stems or more, buying them from a local floral florist or grocery store floral department would be a more cost-effective choice.

Want More Cut Flower Care Tips Like This?

Want to be updated whenever I add new tips like this? It’s easy. Just enter your email address below. Rest assured, I will only send notification emails and not promotional ones.

Please join me here if you want to ensure you don’t miss anything.


We will only use your information to send you our blog updates. You can change your mind anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email you receive from us. You can find details about our privacy practices here.

Whether you’re interested in receiving updates or not, you can still keep up with us on social media.

Or please do me a favor and share this post via one of the social share buttons below.

Talk soon,

Greg Johnson
Scroll to Top