How to protect Gerbera in winter?

Gerbera is an ornamental young plant resembling a large daisy, prized for its flowers in bright colours and its long flowering period, which extends from spring to autumn. Although this young plant native to South Africa adds an exotic touch to gardens and bouquets, its low hardiness makes it delicate to grow in many regions. It is often grown as an annual.
How to protect your gerbera in winter by adopting the right practices to ensure its survival against severe cold? In which regions is it easier to grow this young plant and which varieties are most cold-tolerant? We explain everything!

Why protecting Gerbera in winter?

Gerbera is sensitive to low temperatures and has low hardiness. Indeed, it does not tolerate temperatures below -4°C, which makes it vulnerable to frost and winter cold. Therefore, it is crucial to provide winter protection to prevent your gerbera from being damaged or dying during winter.

Where is gerbera easiest to grow?

Gerbera is easier to grow in ground in regions with a mild climate, where winter temperatures rarely fall below 5°C. Coastal areas, notably southern France and Atlantic coast, are particularly suitable for growing gerbera. However, even in these areas it is advisable to take precautions to protect gerbera from cold and ensure its longevity. Growing conditions are essential: choose well-drained soil, a sheltered sunny spot, for example at the foot of a wall.

Gerbera varieties resistant to cold

Although most gerberas are sensitive to cold, some varieties are more tolerant of low temperatures. Among these are Gerbera jamesonii 'Drakensberg', which can withstand temperatures down to -2°C, and Gerbera jamesonii 'Everlast', which also copes with slightly negative temperatures. However, it should be noted that even the hardiest varieties, semi-perennial Gerbera hybrids (Gerbera x garvinea), require adequate protection during freezing periods.

When to protect gerbera from cold?

It is important to protect your gerbera from cold as soon as temperatures begin to fall. Generally, this happens at end of autumn, when first frosts appear. Watch weather forecasts closely and do not hesitate to protect your gerbera as soon as frost risk is announced.

How to protect Gerbera in winter?

Here are some tips to protect your gerbera from cold and ensure effective winter protection:

1. Bring your gerbera indoors: If you grow your gerbera in a pot, bring it indoors for winter. Choose a bright location, sheltered from direct sun and draughts, with a temperature ideally between 10 and 15°C. An unheated conservatory near a south- or west-facing window is ideal to benefit from maximum natural light.

If you have an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, you can place your gerbera there over winter. This will offer extra protection against bad weather and low temperatures. Be sure to ventilate the greenhouse or cold frame regularly to avoid condensation and humidity problems. Minimum temperature should be 5 to 7°C.

2. Mulch: Mulching is an effective technique to protect gerbera from cold. Cover soil around the young plant with a thick layer of organic material (10 cm of dead leaves, straw, bark, woodchip, etc.) to maintain soil temperature and prevent thermal fluctuations.

3. Use horticultural fleece to wrap your gerbera and protect it from cold. This lightweight, breathable fabric preserves the young plant from frost while allowing light and air through. Make sure to secure the fleece to the ground so it does not blow away in windy conditions. You can also add a support structure, such as metal or plastic hoops, to prevent the fleece from resting directly on the young plant.

Overwintering a gerbera: how to prepare it for winter?

Before putting winter protection in place for your gerbera, it is important to prepare the young plant to face this delicate period. Here are some tips to overwinter a gerbera gently:

1. Pruning: At end of autumn, lightly prune your gerbera by cutting faded stems at soil level and removing damaged leaves. This will help the young plant better withstand the cold and encourage growth of new shoots in spring.

2. Watering: Reduce watering of your gerbera gradually as winter approaches. Excess water can cause root rot and weaken the young plant. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, without letting the young plant run out of water.

3. Fertilisation: Do not apply fertiliser during winter, as this would stimulate growth and make the young plant more vulnerable to cold. Resume feeding in spring, when temperatures rise and growth restarts.

By following these tips, you can ensure effective winter protection for your gerbera and keep this pretty young plant in good health throughout the year. Remember to choose a variety suited to your climate and to prepare your gerbera carefully for winter to maximise its chances of success.