Q. My gerbera daisies return every year after being well mulched. They are so thick, I want to divide them. Can I do it now?
A. Some gardeners have all the luck. The brilliantly colored flowers of gerbera daisies — bright yellows, pinks and reds — provide all-summer blooms and attractive green foliage that grows in low clumps. All the plant books say that gerberas will not survive at temperatures below 36 degrees. Since we have temperatures below that every winter, your gerberas must be especially healthy and strong.
They also have, as you described in your longer letter, a cozy place next to a warm wall and your expertly applied protective winter mulch. This goes to prove that attention to detail in gardening can provide rule-breaking and stunning results.
Dividing your very healthy plants should not be difficult. The plants are small and though the roots are tough, they can be separated.
If you look carefully at the rosette of foliage at the base of your plants, you will be able to see how you can pry or cut them apart. Dig the plants and shake off some of the soil. Gently pull or cut the root mass into two or more pieces while trying not to cut through the stems. You can allow the plants to soak in water for an hour or so as you ready the planting area.