Gerberas

Gerberas are the most popular florist flowers next only to Carnationsand Roses.

Gerbera is a genus of the family of sunflowers, Daisiesand Asters - Asteraceae, with a wide distribution from Africa to
Madagascar, tropical Asia and South America. Through hybridization, Gerberas are available in a massive array of colors.

The meanings of gerbera flowers stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings
include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However, the gerbera variety holds an added
meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.

Some Interesting Facts About Gerberas

• Having a long vase life, Gerbera flowers are widely used in the Cut FlowerIndustry. Gerberas are great flowers for adding
color to any room or garden.
• Gerberas are also referred to as Gerbera Daisies, daisy being a general name for all species in the family Asteraceae, to
which Gerberas belong.
• Gerbera flowers often measure 7 inches (17.8 cm) across.
• Gerberas come in a wide range of colors - from light to dark yellow, orange, pink, brilliant scarlet, deep red, and many
more colors.
• Gerberas can be used in landscapes as bedding plants for borders and flower beds or as Cut Flowers for
table arrangements.
• Gerberas are native to Transvaal, South Africa.
• Hybrid Gerbera varieties cloned through tissue culture are uniform, and have long-lasting flowers with thick peduncles that
are not light sensitive; hence, flowers remain open in the dark, lending themselves to indoor use in flower arrangements.
Some species of Gerberas, such as Gerbera anandria, Gerbera aurantiaca and Gerbera jamesonii bear the suffix Daisy - Ghostly
Daisy, Hilton Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerbera Daisy and Transvaal Daisy

About Gerbera Flower

Gerberas are perennial flowering plants featuring a large capitulum with striking, 2-lipped ray florets. The capitulum on the Gerberas
has the appearance of a single flower, but is actually a closter of hundreds of individual flowers. The morphology of the flowers
varies depending on their position in the capitulum of the Gerberas.

Various Forms of Gerbera Flowers

Gerberas come in various forms. Broadly, they can be put into four groups-

• Single Flowers - These Gerberas have a row of non-overlapping petals (ray florets) with a green center (disc florets).
These are the most common gerberas available in the market.
• Double or duplex - These Gerberas have a double row of overlapping petals with a green, black, or dark red eye.
• Crested doubles - These doubles contain two rows of overlapping petals with one or more inner rows of shorter petals
with a green, black, or dark red eye.
• Full crested doubles - These have solid overlapping rows of petals with an inner row diminishing in size, covering the
eye entirely.

Growing Gerberas
• The most inexpensive way to produce gerberas is from seed obtained from reputable seed suppliers.
• Seed should be germinated in an artificial growing medium. Germinating seed in field sand or field sand mixed with
materials such as perlite and/or peat moss is not recommended because field sand is usually not sterile. Artificial growing media
that are sterile, lightweight, and have good water retention capacity and drainage can be purchased in garden supply stores.
These materials often have fertilizers incorporated.
 • The medium can be placed in flats or pots that have drainage holes. Make shallow rows in the medium approximately
twice the depth of the diameter of the seed, sow seeds in the rows, cover lightly with extra medium and water carefully.
• After seeds are planted and watered, cover the container with a sheet of glass or clear plastic and place the germination
container approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm) below a fluorescent light. Check the medium daily for moisture and for signs of seed
germination.
• The medium should never be allowed to dry, especially when gerbera seeds are starting to germinate. When
watering is necessary, apply a sufficient amount to allow excess water to drain out of the container. Any water that collects in the
saucer beneath the germination container should be discarded.
• Tall and spindly seedlings can be avoided by transplanting seedlings to small pots as soon as the first true leaves appear.
Seedlings can be grown in small pots until they are large enough to transplant into flower beds.

The genus Gerbera is native to South Africa. Gerberas come in a wide range of colors and provide us with one of the most popular
cut flowers in the world. One of the common varieties of Gerbera is the Transvaal daisy, which is commonly available for sale at
nurseries throughout the United States.

History
o The world has known about Gerberas since the 1700s, when renowned botanist Carolus Linneaus identified
them as a member of the aster family. In 1737, they were named after Dr. Traugott Gerber, a friend of Linneaus
who was a naturalist interested in medicinal plants. Gerber died at the young age of 33.
Appearance and Varieties

o In the wild, about 30 species of Gerbera exist, from Africa to South America to Asia. Thousands of hybrid
varieties of Gerbera have been developed. All Gerberas have daisy-like flowers that sit above their light green
foliage. Some varieties have single flowers; others have double flowers or crested double flowers, which have
rows of shorter inner petals. Depending on the variety, Gerberas range in height from 6 to 18 inches.

How to Grow Gerberas

o Because Gerberas are tender annuals, they are popular potted or garden plants for the summer months. In
tropical climates, they behave as perennials. They prefer full sun and plenty of water. Many people start
Gerberas from seed because they germinate quickly and easily. Plant seeds in pots using a good potting mix.
Bury seeds to twice their depth and then cover with a little extra soil. Water them and keep them moist until you
see them sprout. Keep young plants in the sun, but watch for signs of wilting or sunburn if the weather is hot.
When young plants are 4 to 6 inches tall, transplant them into larger pots or into your garden in an area that
receives full sun.

Diseases and Insect Pests

o Insect pests that can threaten Gerberas include aphids, thrips, white fly and leaf miner. Spray with an
insecticidal soap periodically to control aphids and thrips. For white fly, hang sticky traps in areas where your
Gerberas grow. Leaf miners can affect the plant's growth because of the way their larvae tunnel into the leaves.
To control leaf miners, pinch off affected leaves and keep your plant as healthy as possible by keeping up with
fertilizer, proper watering and other cultural needs.
Fungal diseases can be trickier to control. Leaf spots and grey and powdery mildew can kill a plant if you leave
it untreated. Leaf spots harm leaves and leave round spots that grow as the disease progresses. Mildews form
a powdery coating on leaves and flower buds. Keep your eyes on your Gerbera plants and if you see any of
these symptoms occurring, spray with an approved fungicide.

Propagation

o You can easily make additional Gerbera plants by digging one up and dividing the rootball, and then replanting
all segments. Allowing plants to form seeds is a good way to collect seeds for next year's crop of Gerberas.
Refrain from deadheading all flowers after they finish blooming, but instead allow them to remain on the plant so
they can form seeds. When the seed heads are dry (usually in late summer or fall), collect the seeds and store
them in a cool, dark, dry place until the following spring, when you can use them to start more Gerberas.

The Gebera is a bit like a daisy and pronounced JUR-bra. It's an absolutely favourite amongst children because of their simple daisy
like shape and its vibrant colours. Geberas come in every colour, and are available all year round, and their heads are as big as
your palm. There's even a miniature variety called Germinis, which have smaller heads and are very popular amongst florists, as
they are easier to manage for smaller flower arrangements.
The Geberas was little-known 20 years ago, but now extremely popular and fashionable. Gerbera were first imported to Europe in
the 19th century, and named after Traugott Gerber, a German doctor. They're infrequently called Transvaal Daisy or Barberton
Daisy and originated from South Africa (Transvaal and Cape Province). Now there are over 200 varieties of gerbera and breeders
have developed many variants from serrated or frilly petals to double flowers and extra wide petals.

Gerberas need warmth and bright light, and its also important that if they've been out of water - having been bought - to support
their heads when replacing them in water. As the Gerbera takes up water, which ever position their head is in, that's where it will set.

All about Gerbera plants

Gerbera plant or “Gerbera Jamesonii” belongs to the “Asteraceae” family. It is commonly known as “Gerbera”, “Barberton Daisy” or
the "African Daisy". The Gerbara plant is an ornamental plant and is named after the German naturalist “Traugott Gerber”.

With a year round flowering period, the Gerbera is a very commonly used flower in the making of bouquets that hold pride of place
for most occasions. Found in a variety of colours ranging from white, pink, orange, purple, yellow to red. Gerbera flowers are also
found in double shades making for very beautiful flowers. The bright colours really stand out beautifully and the pastel shades are
known for their sober understated elegance.

Gerbera plants grow up to a height of 18 to 24 inches with vibrant flowers spreading over 4 to 10 inches in diameter. The leaves of
the Gerbera plant are green in colour and circular in shape. Gerbera plants need good sunlight and enough water. Gerbera plants
generally require very little care and are free of pests. One must be careful not to water them too much or else they would be prone
to rotting of the stem or fungus that can adversely affect the plant.

If cared for properly the Gerbera flower lasts for anywhere between 15 days to a month. Gerbera plants are grown for the beautiful
cut flowers and are generally grown in huge green houses. Gerbera plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. For potted plants it
is best to use a mixture of loam, sand and an organic mix like cow dung. A healthy plant will continue to flower for a period of 3-4
years.