Question
Several weeks ago I planted Gerber Daisies in potted planters. They looked great for about a week but now they are drooping and sagging. I water every couple of days, however, they are only getting morning/early afternoon sun on my porch, so the soil doesn't really dry out that much. I added fertilizer to the potting soil mix when I planted them. Can you give me any ideas why the daisies are sagging and what I can do to help?

Answer
I have had to learn not to buy Gerber Daisies, for the reasons you mentioned. They do not hold up well. The nursery people have figured out how to get them to bloom beautifully in their greenhouses, and they look great in the stores, but when you get them home they fall apart. I understand they do like a somewhat dry soil, but not too dry. Probably shouldn't have fertilized them, since they probably already had fertilizer in the pot. They need FULL sun. They need some protection from the elements. (Cold, Hot, Wind, Rain, etc)
As pretty as they are, my recommendation is, pass them by in the store and find something less fussy.

bakerplanter