Gerberas

If you are looking brilliant colours Gerbera’s are one plant that will grow in the garden, in pots and will also provide cut flowers.

In the the past they were mainly grown as cut flowers, today things are different, with many varieties suited to the home garden.

Fast Facts

• It is Gerbera Jamesonii or the African Daisy and its many hybrids that are most commonly grown. This species is crossed with Gerbera viridifolia tp give us the colourful plants we see today.
• Gerbera viridifolia is long flowering (almost year round) with pale mauve or purple or creamy coloured flowers.
• Gerbera jamesonii has large flowers to 5cm across red to orange/yellow in colour. This flowers spring to summer
• Gerbera’s will grow from cool temperate climates where they need a little protection right through to tropical areas.
• They like a humus rich well drained soil.
• Full sun is best, so a good 6 hours of a sun day is required, although a little afternoon shade in hotter drier climates will be beneficial.
• Size of flowers, height and colour varies greatly.
• Watering requirements vary between pot grown and garden grown plants.

Description and Characteristics.

Evergreen foliage and flowers that vary in colour from reds, to pinks and yellow. Flowers may be singles or doubles, and all have a deeper coloured centre which can very from a yellow colour to almost black. Bicoloured flowers are also available.

Flowers are long lasting and can reach 12 cm (4 inches across) and rise above the foliage on leafless stems. The flower stem is hollow, so cut the flower and get it Ito water quickly.

How to Grow Gerberas

Grown from seed or from divided crowns gerberas like a very well drained soil and should be watered in the morning. This gives time for things to dry out and helps prevent mildew.

The most important factors are good drainage and sun.

• Position
  Full sun is best, at least 6 hours of sun a day. Gerbera flowers will actually turn to track the sun.
  Protection from strong winds is required as well. Plants can be grown through ‘hoops’ in windy positions.
  
• Soil and Root System
  A well drained soil with added cow manure and compost is best.
  Gerberas have a root system that does not compete with well with other plants, so grow them in an area by themselves.
  
• Planting
  Gerberas should be planted at around 30 – 40cm apart. The crown should always be at soil level, never covered.
  
• Watering
  Gerberas do not like a wet root system, in the garden they will grow well without regular watering, so keep the soil just moist allowing it to dry between waterings.
  
  In containers, where the soil tends to dry more quickly you may need to water more often.
  Wilting is a sign of under watering in hot weather. If you see your plants wilting give them a little water in the afternoon, but not a deep soaking.
  
• Mulching around the plants, but away from the stem is a great way to retain some moisture but avoiding wet soggy soil.
• Fertiliser
  A slow release blow nitrogen fertiliser is best for good flowering. A slow release pelletised type is recommended. A little fertiliser with trace elements such as Gro-Max is also good. Apple fertiliser around the plant, not on the foliage.

Pruning Gerberas and Other Care

Remove any dead or diseased foliage as it appears, this helps prevent fungal problems.

Propagation of Gerberas

Seed can be sown in spring and plants placed in the garden as soon as the seedlings have developed. Bothe plants and seeds are available for sale from online suppliers.

Gerberas purchased as crowns or in pots need to planted so that the plant is not pushed down into the soil, as this can cause the crown to rot, a common problem. Crowns can be divided from late summer through to autumn.

Plant Care and Growing Conditions

• A free draining soil will prevent crown rot which can be a problem with many varieties. Wilting or drooping is a sign of both overwatering and under watering.
• Full sun is often recommended and in cooler climates they do need this. In warmer areas some afternoon shade will be beneficial.
• Growing them in pots is a great alternative as it helps provide the drainage required.
• They will grow back after flowering in good conditions outdoors.

Planting and Propagation of Gerberas

Gerberas purchased as crowns or in pots need to planted so that the plant is not pushed down into the soil, as this can cause the crown to rot, a common problem. Crowns can be divided from late summer through to autumn.

Seed can be sown in spring and plants placed in the garden as soon as the seedlings have developed. Seed is best planted from spring to summer.

Garvinea Gerberas are more cold tolerant.

Gerbera Plants and Seeds are available for sale form the following nurseries

GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au

TESSELAAR BULBS - Phone: 1300 428 527
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au

Author JohnnyA