Gerbera Daisy Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset' (Garvinea Sweet Series)
ABOUT
The Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset' presents a striking visual with its bright and lively flowers which are part of the Garvinea Sweet Series. The plant showcases large daisy-like blooms, which radiate warmth with their vivid orange petals. These flowers often have a gradient of hues, ranging from deep orange at the base, lightening to a softer, more golden orange as the petals unfurl towards their tips. In the center, a contrasting dark brown or almost black eye stands out, accentuated by a smaller ring of light yellow or cream, giving the flower a bold appearance. The lush green foliage of the Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset' forms a vibrant backdrop for the flowers. The leaves are large and deeply lobed, adding a textured, ornamental touch to the plant. The leaves' deep green color intensifies the perceived brightness of the flowers, making the oranges stand out even more. These leaves grow in a rosette pattern from the base of the plant, creating a dense cluster that offers a full, robust look. Together, the elegant flowers on their slender stems and the verdant leaves make the Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset' a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts who are seeking a showy plant to enliven their gardens, pots, or as a striking cut flower for vases and arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Gerbera Daisy, African Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerber Daisy.
Common names
Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset' (Garvinea Sweet Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Gerbera daisies, including the Gerbera 'Sweet Sunset', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of Gerbera daisies, and they are not known to contain any substances that are harmful to human health. Therefore, accidental ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any serious health consequences.
To pets
Gerbera daisies are also considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. They are not listed among plants known to cause poisoning in pets. Ingesting parts of a Gerbera daisy should not cause serious health issues for pets. However, as with any non-food item, consuming plant material might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot 10-12 inches (25-30cm)
Spread
1 foot 6-8 inches (15-20cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors and beauty to gardens and indoor spaces with its large, daisy-like blooms.
- Extended Blooming: Boasts a long flowering season, often from early spring until the first frosts of autumn.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for new gardeners or those with limited gardening time.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, has a good tolerance for dry periods, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for garden beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: The petals of Gerbera daisies can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from orange to yellow, depending on the processing.
- Photography Prop: Gerbera daisies are often used in photography for their vibrant colors and large, photogenic blooms, adding life to still life photography or portraits.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be used in schools or educational workshops to teach about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture practices.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists might use Gerbera daisies as a subject for paintings, drawings, or other forms of art to capture their striking appearance and range of colors.
- Environment Enhancement in Aquariums: While the plants themselves aren't submerged, cut Gerbera daisies can be floated on water in aquariums for a temporary decorative effect during special occasions.
- Bath Soaks: Petals of Gerbera daisies can be added to bath soaks for a touch of luxury and visual appeal, although they do not have inherent skin benefits.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not known for culinary use, the non-toxic petals could potentially be used as an edible garnish for elaborate dishes, adding a splash of color.
- Handmade Paper Making: The petals and fibers of Gerbera daisies can be incorporated into the paper-making process, creating paper with unique textures and flecks of color.
- Colorful Ice Cubes: Freeze petals of Gerbera daisies in ice cubes to add a decorative element to beverages for special events or parties.
- Personalized Gift Wrapping: Use Gerbera daisy petals or whole flowers to embellish gift wrapping for a unique and personal touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gerbera is often associated with positivity and the summoning of good energy in Feng Shui. It can be used to enhance the Fire element due to its bright coloring, which is often linked with passion, high energy, and enthusiasm. Place the Gerbera Daisy in the south area of your home or office to improve recognition and success, or use it in the east or southeast to foster good health and growth within your personal relationships and wealth, respectively.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gerbera Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: Gerbera daisies are often associated with innocence due to their bright and simple beauty. They resemble purity and the unspoiled freshness of youth.
- Cheerfulness: With their wide array of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies symbolize cheerfulness. The 'Sweet Sunset' variety, in particular, radiates warmth and happiness.
- Positive Energy: Gerberas give a sense of positive energy and are frequently used to uplift the spirit. Their eye-catching appearance is linked to vitality and good vibes.
- Beauty: The gerbera daisy is symbolic of beauty and allure. Its striking appearance can represent admiration for someone's aesthetic qualities or inner beauty.
- Loyal Love: Gerberas can embody deep affection and loyal love. They are often gifted as a romantic gesture to convey steadfastness and a strong emotional bond.
WaterGerbera daisies should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once or twice a week, but it may vary depending on climate conditions and indoor temperatures. Use room temperature water, and aim to water the plant slowly at the base, avoiding water on the foliage, which can lead to disease. A good rule of thumb is to provide about one gallon of water every ten days, ensuring that the water penetrates the root zone deeply, but the plant is not left standing in water, which can cause root rot.
LightGerbera daisies prefer bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south or west-facing window that receives plenty of light but is shielded from harsh direct midday rays is ideal. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the mornings, but too much direct sun, especially in hot climates, can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureGerbera daisies thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 75°F during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 40°F, which could be harmful. They can withstand brief periods of higher temperatures, but sustained heat above 90°F may stress the plant. The ideal night temperature is between 60°F and 65°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Gerbera daisies is primarily done to remove spent flowers and dead or damaged leaves, which helps encourage further blooming and maintain the plant's appearance. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded blooms, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time to do a more thorough pruning is in the late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the plant before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGerbera Daisy 'Sweet Sunset' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix containing peat, perlite, and compost is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingGerbera Daisies should be repotted every two years or when they outgrow their pots. They prefer to be slightly root-bound, so ensure a snug fit in their new container.
Humidity & MistingGerbera Daisy 'Sweet Sunset' prefers moderate humidity levels ranging between 40-60%. Avoid overly humid environments that may encourage fungal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Gerbera Daisy in bright indirect light with moderate water and humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Gerbera Daisy in partial sun, sheltered from wind, with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
Gerbera Daisy 'Sweet Sunset' is suitable for 7-10 USDA.
Life cycleGerbera 'Sweet Sunset' begins its life as a seed, which when sown in warm, well-drained soil, will germinate typically within two to three weeks. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of cotyledons and the first true leaves, indicating that photosynthesis can begin. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust rosette of leaves and a strong root system, preparing it for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, which can occur throughout the growing season in appropriate climates, the plant produces vibrant daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators and can be used in cut flower arrangements. After pollination, seeds develop and mature, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy in colder climates or when environmental conditions are not conducive to growth; during dormancy, the plant may appear to die back but will resume growth with the return of favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Gerbera Daisy 'Sweet Sunset' is commonly propagated through division, a method that can be performed in late summer to early fall. This is the most popular and effective way to propagate these plants. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a part of the root system attached. Ideally, these divisions should have at least one or two healthy offshoots or crowns. Once divided, the new plants should be immediately planted into well-draining soil and watered adequately to help establish their roots. With proper care, these divisions will mature into blooming Gerbera Daisies.
