Introduction to Gerbera

• Botanical Name: Gerbera jamesonii
• Family: Asteraceae / Compositae
• Common Name: Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, African Daisy

Gerbera is one of the most popular flowering plants, highly valued for its vibrant and colorful blooms. The flower is known for its large, daisy-like appearance and is commonly used in floral arrangements, gardens, and as cut flowers. Gerbera is considered an important crop in both commercial and ornamental flower production.

Soil:

• Gerbera thrives in well-drained, rich, and light soil.
• A neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.
• Heavy, poorly drained soils adversely affect the growth and can lead to root rot.
• Soil Mixture: A typical mix includes FYM (Farm Yard Manure), sand, and paddy husk in a ratio of 2:1:1.

Climate:

• Gerbera prefers moderate climate conditions.
• Daytime temperature: 22-25°C
• Nighttime temperature: 12-15°C
• Gerbera grows best in areas with moderate light intensity.
• Gerbera needs a photoperiod of about 8 hours for optimal growth.
• The CO2 level should be around 700 ppm for better flower production and growth.

Gerbera Varieties

Popular varieties of Gerbera include:

• Amber
• Winterqueen
• Flamingo
• Dusty
• Salmarosa
• Valentine

These varieties offer different colors and sizes, providing a wide range of choices for both commercial and ornamental use.

Propagation Methods

Seed Propagation: Gerbera can be propagated from seeds, but this method is not always satisfactory in terms of uniformity and quality.

Vegetative Propagation:

• Division: Large clumps of gerbera plants are divided into smaller units. This method helps propagate plants and can provide 40-50 plants from a single mother plant in about 2-3 months.
• Cuttings: Gerbera can also be propagated by leaf cuttings, where the buds in the axils of the leaves are detached and rooted in a suitable medium. They typically root within 2-3 months.
• Micro-propagation: This method involves using tissue culture techniques for mass production of healthy and uniform plants.

Bed Preparation for Gerbera

• Soil Mixture: Prepare the soil mixture with FYM (Farm Yard Manure), sand, and paddy husk in a 2:1:1 ratio.
• Bed Size: Beds should be prepared with a height of 30 cm and width of 1 meter. Maintain a path distance of 30-45 cm for easy access and maintenance of the plants.
• Raised Beds: Gerbera is generally grown on raised beds that are about 30-40 cm high. Ensure a row distance of 25-30 cm, and the plant distance should also be 25-30 cm within rows.

Manures and Fertilizer Requirements

• Initial Fertilization: Apply 10 kg of FYM and 20:20:15 gm of NPK per square meter at the time of planting.
• Ongoing Fertilization: For the first three months, apply 10:15:20 gm of NPK per square meter every month for optimum growth and flowering.
• Fertilizer Management: Gerbera plants need balanced and consistent fertilization to ensure proper root development, healthy foliage, and prolific flowering.

Planting Gerbera

• Gerbera plants should be spaced 25-30 cm apart within rows.
• Planting should be done in raised beds that allow for better drainage and root aeration.
• Ensure the soil mixture is well-prepared, as this affects the growth and flowering performance of the plants.

Harvesting Time: Gerbera flowers are ready for harvesting about 3 months after planting. Harvesting should be done when the outer two rows of the disc florets are perpendicular to the stalk. This indicates that the flowers are mature and at their peak quality for cutting.

• Longevity: Gerbera plants can retain productivity for 3-4 years under protected conditions such as greenhouses or shade nets.
• Yield: The yield is about 200-250 flowers per square meter per year under proper growing conditions.

Post-Harvest Management

• Gerbera flowers should be harvested with care to prevent any damage to the flower or plant.
• Cool Storage: After harvesting, flowers should be stored in cool temperatures (around 10-15°C) to maintain freshness.
• For longer shelf life, Gerbera flowers are often stored in water or floral preservative solutions.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and thrips are common pests that affect Gerbera plants. Regular inspection and the use of pesticides or natural predators can help manage these pests.
• Diseases: Gerbera plants are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Ensuring well-drained soil, proper air circulation, and regular fungicide treatments can prevent the spread of diseases.
• Fungicides like Mancozeb or Carbendazim can help control fungal infections.