Gerbera
Growing gerbera in the garden is not so easy. Difficulties will arise at the stage of searching for seeds. Apparently, the reason is that the overwhelming number of gerberas are grown in special nurseries in millions of quantities for sale, pumped with stimulants, after which this amazing flower lives for a very short time.
Despite this, it is possible, although problematic, to grow gerbera in the garden in the middle zone. In more southern areas in gardens, it blooms in sunny places from April to October, growing without shelter for the winter. And in the central regions of Russia, flowering will be less abundant. And for the winter it will have to be dug up like dahlias and stored in a cool, dry place, without clearing the lump of soil, perhaps in sawdust.
Covering the gerbera with straw, spruce branches or a layer of dry foliage for the winter is permissible in areas where the summers are quite hot and the climate is warm and mild. But in the middle zone, winter temperatures are too low, so the flower is grown as an annual with autumn digging and storage in the basement or glassed-in terrace with an optimal temperature of +7...+8°C.
Ads by
Description of the plant
There are several dozen species of garden gerbera, most of which grow naturally on the African continent and in tropical areas of Asia.
The plant has the form of a bush with a height of 25–35 cm, although some species reach half a meter. The leaves are basal, fleshy, elongated with sharp tips, collected in a rosette. The roots are short and fibrous.
The peduncle is smooth and pubescent, rising above the foliage. It ends in a daisy-like flower that blooms for 30–35 days. The inflorescence is round, collected in a basket.
The petals are reed-shaped, tapering towards the base. They can be single, semi-double or double. The diameter of the flower is large - 10-12 cm, the color is allowed in all shades of white, red, pink and yellow. The flower of the hybrid variety can reach 25-30 cm in diameter.
The middle of the inflorescence is round in shape and brown in color. Gerbera fruits are small seed pods. The plant blooms for 3 months, and in total up to 20 flowers can form on the bush per season.
Story
There are two versions of the origin of the name of the flower. According to one of them, the gerbera received its name in honor of Traugott Gerber, a doctor and biologist from Germany, who for many years worked in Russia and headed the apothecary botanical garden in Moscow.
The second version says that from Latin the word “coat of arms” can be translated as “grass”, and since this plant belongs to the herbaceous group, it could have been given this name.
It was a breeder from Scotland who first noticed the bright flower: it was he who first started cultivating gerberas. This happened in one of the French provinces - Transvaal, and therefore gerbera has another name - Transvaal chamomile.
Gerbera in landscape design
A variety of garden gerbera flowers brightly color the garden and surrounding area. It is planted along paths as a border, using single-color bushes or combining different tones.
Gerbera grown in garden pots or special containers is placed on balconies, verandas, and terraces. Thus, it is used as a portable decorative element.
This plant looks great both in single and mass plantings, and in combination with other flowers. Typically, pansies, bells, poppies, calendula, gentian, salvia, bidens, heuchera, cereals and conifers are chosen for this.
Description of garden gerbera. Varieties of culture
One of the nicknames for this flower, which looks like a large daisy, is “South African sun”. In Africa, gerbera is a perennial with several months of flowering. In the cool climate of Russia, it is grown as an annual or transplanted into a warm room for the winter. Tall varieties of gerbera are very popular among those who grow flowers for sale.
Characteristics of gerbera:
- stem height - up to 30 cm;
- leaves are thick, light green, collected in a rosette under the peduncle;
- flowers - 12–15 cm in diameter, double or non-double;
Gerbera flowers can be of different shades
- flower color - various shades, except blue;
- the size of the petals depends on the variety; they are usually oval in shape;
- branched root system;
- After flowering, seed pods are formed on the plant, in each of which up to 500 seeds ripen.
Attention! An individual gerbera flower blooms and fades within a month. The total flowering period of the crop is 3 months.
During this period, one bush forms up to 20 buds.
There are about 80 varieties of gerberas in nature. There are many tested and well-proven varieties: both for the southern and cool northern regions. In garden conditions, dwarf species, which are the most unpretentious in care, take root well. But if you want to grow tall, handsome beauties, try the Jameson varieties. In the middle zone they also plant Mars, Alcor, Jupiter, Iskra, Kalinka, Delios, Lancaster, Romeo, etc.
This is interesting: Cinquefoil shrub - cultivation and care
Popular varieties and types
There are a huge number of hybrids and varieties of gerberas; flower growers use a classification based on external description:
- semi-double;
- terry;
- with small flowers;
- with large flowers and broad foliage;
- with large flowers and narrow foliage.
Jameson
This variety is called the main one. It was on its basis that all species known to gardeners today were bred. The Jameson's gerbera flower is located on a strong, thick stem of medium height; the leaves are large, pubescent, and feathery in shape.
Inflorescences, the diameter of which exceeds 10 centimeters, have one or several rows of petals, the total number of which usually reaches 30. The color palette is varied, with the middle of the flower contrasting with the main tone. The flowering time of one flower is 21 days.
Wright
Gerbera Wrighta is usually grown to create bouquets and as an important component of landscape design. The plant has a long flowering period - it begins in the spring and continues until the onset of cold weather.
The rosette consists of large feathery leaves, at the end of a long peduncle a flower is formed, more like a chamomile. The center is usually yellow or white, the petals can be of different shades:
- red;
- purple;
- yellow;
- orange;
- pink.
Abyssinian
This plant is more similar to medicinal chamomile than others. Found in the wild in Ethiopia. The flowers are reed-type, most often white. Young foliage has slight pubescence. The basal rosette consists of elliptical leaves.
Alcor
The variety is ideal for growing outdoors. It is a small flower with narrow leaves, whose flowers are characterized by a dense cherry color. The average height of the plant reaches 60 cm.
Aldebaran
Elliptical leaves form a rosette. The bush is low with thick roots. Single basket-like inflorescences are colored orange, bright red, pink, dark scarlet and yellow. The flowers can be black or dark purple, with a noticeable white stripe in the middle.
Other varieties
Other varieties that are popular with gardeners include:
- terry and semi-double - for example, Iskra;
- large-flowered with petals of medium size - Mars;
- narrow-petaled with large flowers - Jupiter and Migar;
- broad-petaled inflorescences of small or medium sizes - Vera and Saturn.
Popular varieties of garden gerberas
There are not as many varieties of this flower as varieties, but they form the basis of choice for the gardener. Their description and characteristics make it possible to determine whether the plant is suitable for cultivation in certain conditions, and what agricultural technology features it has. After all, gerberas in the garden, growing and caring for which require certain skills, can bring not only aesthetic pleasure, but also certain troubles.
Gerber Jameson
This species is actively grown not only in the garden, but also indoors. The bush is strong, the foliage is pinnate, collected in a rosette. The peduncle is not very tall. Externally, the flower looks like a daisy.
Gerbera Jameson is suitable for growing both in the garden and in the room
The diameter of the cap reaches 10 cm. The flowering period lasts 3 weeks. The colors are attractive and bright.
Hybrid species Garvinea Sweet Dreams
This species is one of the new products presented to the attention of gardeners. The height of the bush reaches 0.45 m, its diameter is 0.4 m. Each gerbera simultaneously produces up to 20 flower stalks.
Garden gerbera Garvinea Sweet Dreams blooms from spring until autumn
The color range is rich. The flowering period lasts from spring until autumn frosts.
Klondike
A large plant with a bush height and diameter of about 0.45 m. During the season, each plant forms up to 50 peduncles. The variety of shades is huge.
Klondike is distinguished by its large bush size and abundant long-lasting flowering.
The flowers are semi-double, their diameter reaches 12 cm. The flowering period lasts from July to October.
Abyssinian
The basal rosette of this perennial consists of elliptical leaves. A characteristic feature is that the young foliage has slight pubescence.
Abyssinian gerbera has a delicate color scheme
The flowers are reed-type, most often painted white, sometimes with reddish tints.
Gerbera orange
The rosette of the flower consists of elliptical leaves. The bush is of small height, the rhizome is thick. Basket-type inflorescences are painted in the following colors:
- orange;
- bright red;
- pink;
- dark scarlet;
- yellow.
Orange gerbera is distinguished by its compact bush size and bright flower color.
The middle flowers are sometimes painted black or dark purple.
Gerber Wright
The rosette of this species consists of pinnate or lobed leaves. The peduncle is long, at the end of it a flower is formed that looks like a large chamomile. Its middle is yellow or white. The color of the petals can be:
Gerbera Wright is characterized by a rich range of colors
- red;
- orange;
- purple;
- yellow;
- pink.
Gerbera Vega
This species was bred by American breeders. It differs from other varieties in its large inflorescences, which reach 13 cm in diameter, and narrow long petals.
The Vega hybrid has very large flower sizes.
The length of the peduncle is about 0.7 m. The color of the flowers is yellow-orange.
Gerbera in open ground
Gerbera is one of the most popular flowers for open ground, capable of decorating a nondescript garden corner, flower garden, or public park. But it is worth considering the African roots of the plant.
The summer months in central Russia are quite suitable for an elegant flower, but provided that there are no differences in day and night temperatures. But cold autumn and frosty winter are not at all the conditions under which gerberas can survive the winter.
If the flower is not dug up in time, it will turn into an annual, that is, it will simply die and next spring you will have to plant a new plant. Therefore, in general, the climate of central Russia is not intended for year-round cultivation of African beauty in open ground. In such climatic conditions, the flower is best grown in greenhouses or mobile pots.
But residents of warm regions are luckier. Mild winters are suitable for a period of dormancy outside, but covering the root system with a heap of fallen leaves or straw is an indispensable condition for the survival of the flower. It is with this care that a gerbera can grow for more than one year. In the south, the plant manages to reveal its full potential.
The inflorescences are large, do not bloom for a long time and the number of flowers on one plant is maximum. Gerbera blooms all summer. Bright colors delight the eye for 3-4 months. But this period may vary, it all depends on the characteristics of the variety or hybrid.
Growing conditions
- In winter, gerbera feels great at a temperature of 6 – 8°C. As already noted, in the southern regions the plant is able to survive the winter months with an average temperature of 0 to –3 ° C, being in the open ground under reliable shelter.
- Despite the love for a lot of sunlight, the flower needs to be slightly shaded during the hottest afternoon hours. At this time, the leaves may droop slightly. But with the arrival of the evening coolness, the turgor in them is restored.
- There is no need to spray the gerbera specifically. The fact is that moisture that gets into the leaf rosette can cause a rotting process that can destroy the entire plant.
Indoor and outdoor varieties: what is the difference
In open ground, strong plants with a tall peduncle and large inflorescence are grown. They are more hardy and resistant to diseases and pest attacks.
In indoor floriculture, preference is given to low-growing compact hybrids with short peduncles and small flowers. These plants are more delicate and demanding of living conditions and care.
Care
Garden gerbera is a beautiful plant, widely grown on an industrial scale. A little capricious, but proper care and the desires of the gardener allow you to grow this beauty in home flower beds.
If we take into account the fact that seedlings have already been obtained from seeds and planted in open ground, then we will dwell on how to care for an adult plant.
The first point is the rules of watering. The water should be warm and soft. Watering must be done from a special watering can so that the flow is dispersed and does not expose the root system, directly under the root. Quite often and a lot, the flowers are watered until the first flowers appear, then the amount of water is reduced to a minimum.
Winter care. Gerbera is a perennial plant grown from seeds and planted with seedlings in the ground, which can delight you with its abundant flowering for several years. If the winters are not too frosty, then the dried stems are cut off at a level of ten centimeters from the ground, and the bush is covered with dry leaves or straw. However, you need to take care of such shelter, since during warm winters the bush may become underwater. In severe frosts, flowers should be dug out of the ground and planted in pots and allowed to overwinter indoors.
Bright flower.
Dig up flowers along with a small amount of soil; this minimizes damage to the roots. The bushes are stored in a bright room with constant ventilation. The air temperature should not be lower than six degrees Celsius, but not higher than ten.
When replanting the bush into a pot for storage, the root collar is left not covered with soil, this protects it from rot.
Illumination of the place. A well-lit part of the garden or flower garden is suitable for gerberas. In the shade, the plant stretches out and produces not very large inflorescences.
Caring for flowers at home requires regular feeding of the plants. Saturated soil, rich in minerals, will allow you to achieve maximum results in growing large, beautiful flowers throughout the summer. For feeding, they use not only purchased products, but also a self-prepared solution of cow manure and mineral fertilizers. To do this, the manure is first kept in water for seven days, then it is mixed with mineral fertilizers. Thus, a concentrated mixture is obtained. Water the flowers with this product in the proportion: 1 part of the mixture and 5 parts of water, no more than once a month.
It is not recommended to cut flowers; they need to be broken out of the nest, since the remaining part may begin to rot, thereby damaging the entire plant.
Planting gerberas
Planting gerberas should be carried out taking into account certain rules. It is necessary not only to choose the right timing and place for cultivation, but also to pay attention to the quality of the seedlings.
Deadlines
The optimal time for planting gerbera in the soil is mid-May, when the risk of night frosts returning is completely eliminated. You should not delay planting, as this can shorten the flowering period.
Site requirements
Choosing a place to plant gerberas is an important criterion, since if there is no or insufficient lighting, it will not bloom. The flowers should be provided with the necessary amount of bright light.
In order for the flowering of gerbera to be accompanied by large and bright inflorescences, you need to be guided by the following criteria when choosing a planting site:
- light areas of growth;
- places sheltered from the wind.
The flower should be planted in a high bed to prevent stagnation of moisture and accumulation of groundwater, which can lead to rotting of the root system. The soil is prepared loose and nutritious with a drainage system.
Preparatory work
The site is first dug up and the soil temperature is checked before planting; it should be well warmed up. To prevent fungal infection, the soil is pre-treated with a special solution.
Before planting gerbera seedlings in the country, prepare the seedlings. First, it should be examined. There should be no white coating, brown or yellowish-brown spots on it. It should not be elongated. The normal leaf color is deep green. In order for the seedlings to adapt to new conditions, they must be taken outside for the whole day.
How to plant: step by step diagram
Planting gerbera seedlings is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the seedling's earthen ball.
- Place a small layer of drainage at the bottom (you can use small twigs after pruning healthy trees), cover with fertile soil mixture on top.
- Carry out transplantation using the transshipment method. After placing the earthen ball in the hole, fill the voids with soil and compact it.
- A properly planted gerbera should not be buried.
- The leaf rosette is located above the planting level at a height of 1 cm.
- Water the planted plant at the root.
Flower transplantation and propagation
In order for a gerbera to bloom, all planting rules must be followed.
Gerbera Sadovaya planting technology
Particular attention should be paid to choosing a place for planting; it should be well lit, without drafts. The region should be taken into account when planting a flower.
In order for the gerbera to remain a perennial plant, the optimal climate will be with hot, humid summers and warm winters; in this case, the plant will simply need to be covered with leaves or straw for the winter
The region should be taken into account when planting a flower. In order for gerbera to remain a perennial plant, the optimal climate will be with hot, humid summers and warm winters; in this case, the plant will simply need to be covered with leaves or straw for the winter.
The best time for planting Gerberas in open ground can be considered mid-to-late spring, when the frosts have completely passed
In order for gerbera to bloom for many years, the soil must be saturated with: phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese. If the soil lacks these elements, the flowers will be small or not bloom at all.
Drainage is required when planting. Watering must be done exclusively at the root of the bush.
If you sow the soil with seeds rather than seedlings, they will flower after 10 months. The flower itself is a box with seeds, which after flowering can be collected and sowed in the soil for the next year.
Step-by-step propagation indoors
Cuttings
To do this, you need to dig up a bush, wash it well, and then cut off the rosette. Then put it in a greenhouse, after a while young shoots appear on them, which serve as cuttings for planting.
Dividing the bush
Gerbera propagation scheme by dividing the bush
To do this, dig up a bush and divide it into separate components; each shoot must have at least 3 leaves. The rosettes should protrude from the soil by at least 1 cm.
Seeds
Propagating a plant by seeds is quite simple, but in addition to this, you need to know some features. As soon as the flowers fade, the seeds should be collected from them and then soaked, for this you can use gauze moistened with water. As soon as they swell and shoots begin to hatch from them, you can begin planting.
Step-by-step transplant
Replanting is not difficult for a knowledgeable gardener, but not for beginners, so it is worth knowing certain rules:
It is worth planting seedlings only after at least 3 leaves have appeared on them. Seedlings should be planted in late spring in warm soil.
It is necessary to remove seedlings for replanting with extreme caution so as not to damage the roots. After planting, the plant requires careful watering until the first flowers appear; after that, watering should be moderate.
Caring for gerbera in the garden
Despite the relative unpretentiousness, when growing gerberas there are some subtleties that any gardener needs to know.
Watering
Watering should be done in small portions, but often. During the period of active development, water abundantly, after flowering more than moderately, monitoring the moisture at the roots.
Watering must be carried out observing the following rules:
- Stagnation of water should not be allowed;
- Do not allow water to get on the rosette of leaves and the leaf plate;
- use of warm water: in winter - 16-20 °C, in summer - 26-27 °C;
- 25 liters of water are consumed per 1 m² of flower bed.
Fertilizer application
The plant needs liquid feeding twice a month. The perennial tolerates mineral fertilizers well, but from an excess of organic fertilizers it can lose its decorative properties (the flowers will be small and the bush will often get sick). However, to stimulate growth, cow manure can be used as a top dressing once a season.
The best option for gerbera is a complex mixture of fertilizers for flowering plants. The perennial responds well to magnesium sulfate, and the lack of light can be compensated for with phosphorus-containing fertilizer.
The flower cannot be fed with organic fertilizers and chlorine-based preparations. Gerberas are contraindicated in feeding with substances containing chlorine, especially potassium chloride.
In the fall, you can add maintenance mixtures less often - once a month. When the plant has flowered, feeding can be stopped.
Trimming
It is produced after flowering begins. It is necessary to carry out sanitary cleaning by removing dry leaves and the stems themselves. It is recommended to cut off excess leaves in the rosette; this technique stimulates the appearance of new flowers.
To prolong the flowering of gerbera and stimulate the formation of new flower stalks, faded inflorescences should be removed in time. But, as already mentioned above, they are not cut, but broken out at the base or twisted out of the sheet funnel.
Transfer
Replanting is a great way to rejuvenate an adult plant. At the time of transplantation, an adult bush can be divided into several small ones.
To do this, the rhizome of the dug plant is cleared of soil and carefully divided into 2 parts with a disinfected blade or sharp knife. The cut is treated with powdered charcoal or ash and, before it begins to dry out, the seedlings are planted in a new place and watered abundantly.
Weeding
A flowerbed with gerberas needs to be weeded periodically. This procedure will rid the plant of competitors - they will take away the nutrients and moisture the flower needs. In addition, the weeds harbor pests that will happily move onto the succulent leaves of the African chamomile.
How does it reproduce?
Next, we will consider 3 proven methods for propagating this flower.
Seeds
To begin with, planting material is selected .
It can be obtained either by pollinating gerberas naturally, or bought in a store. Afterwards, planting is carried out at home; you need to plant it in small containers. For sprouts to appear quickly, it is important to remember that the air humidity in the room should be high.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
The most popular method, as it allows you to propagate the plant quickly and easily. Division should be carried out in the summer:
- carefully remove the top layer of soil;
- expose the roots and make cuts that will help divide the plant into 2 parts;
- Sprinkle the cut areas with coal and dry soil;
- then you should water the plant along the edges of the pot; and when new roots form, remove, divide into 2 parts and plant;
- flowering will occur next year.
Cuttings
Greenhouse or home conditions are needed . There must be high humidity and a temperature of 22 degrees. The procedure is carried out as follows:
- the bush is dug up and washed, the leaf rosette is cut off;
- Next, the rhizome is planted in a greenhouse; after the shoots appear, wait until they get stronger and cut off at the root, leaving 1 cm;
- plant them in loose soil, with sand and perlite compacted on top about 2 cm thick;
- After a month the transplant can be carried out.
Reference! To ensure better rooting, maintain a temperature of about 24 degrees and check for roots every 2 weeks. You can also treat the cuttings with a growth stimulant: first with potassium permanganate, and then use charcoal.
Features of wintering
After the gerbera has given all its strength to flowering, it should be prepared for winter.
Southern regions
Only mild winters can guarantee normal wintering of gerberas in open ground. But this does not mean that the plant does not need shelter.
- After the gerberas have bloomed, you should remove all flower stalks, reduce watering and completely stop fertilizing.
- At the end of September, the root zone should be covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves or straw. But be careful, leaves should only be collected from healthy plants.
- An excellent way to store perennial plants is in a plywood box or a box made of very thick cardboard.
- With the arrival of spring, on sunny days, try to lift the boxes to gradually accustom the plant to natural conditions. With the onset of stable heat (10°C), the shelter is removed.
Middle lane
In this climatic region, gerbera is grown as an annual plant. But you must admit, it’s a pity to treat a flower this way, which can delight you with its beautiful blooms for many years. Therefore, to grow gerbera as a perennial, it is necessary to move it to suitable conditions for the winter.
To do this, the plant is dug up along with a lump of earth and moved into suitable containers. Storage conditions should be as follows:
- ventilated basement with stable temperature and low humidity;
- temperature 10 – 12°C, but not higher than 15°C;
- very infrequent watering and lack of fertilizing.
You can also place a pot of gerbera in the greenhouse. If there is no basement or greenhouse, use the coolest corner of the apartment, where there is no bright light. In such conditions, the plant will be able to rest until spring, so that at the beginning of the new season it will delight with lush flowering.
If you don’t want to annually transplant your gerbera from the flower garden to a pot for wintering and back, use a container in which the flower will be comfortable throughout all seasons. From spring to autumn, the plant will delight you with flowers outside, and for the winter you can put it away in a suitable place for relaxation.
Winter care
Gerbera can withstand winter in the ground in the open air only in regions with a mild climate. Under other circumstances, it must be transplanted into an ordinary flower pot for the winter. Alternatively, you can overwinter the dug plant in the basement or any other cool place.
From mid-autumn to mid-spring (winter), using auxiliary light and an average temperature of 22˚C, gerberas continue to bloom. But you should not grow it without rest, because after 2 years, flowering will become sluggish.
In view of this, in December you should:
- Place the gerbera in a bright room;
- Reduce temperature to 11˚C;
- Limit watering.
Under these circumstances, a time of rest begins, which will continue until the end of the winter period. Please note that the winter period ends in mid-spring!
Conclusion: As you noticed, there is nothing difficult about growing gerberas. You just need to follow the above tips.
Disease and pest control
Among the difficulties of growing gerbera in open ground is its vulnerability to diseases and pests. The greatest danger to the plant is represented by various types of rot.
Root rot
The disease causes rotting of the leaf rosette, thinning and putrefactive phenomena in the roots. All this leads to withering and drooping of the leaves, and then to the death of the plant.
The cause of the problem lies in improper watering - excessive soil moisture and moisture getting into the rosette of leaves, the use of cold water. Fundazol or Maxim are used for treatment.
If the gerbera can no longer be treated, the bush is dug out of the ground along with the roots and destroyed to prevent further spread of the infection.
Gray rot
Peduncles, flowers and leaf bases suffer. Parts of the plant affected by the fungus become covered with a gray fluffy coating and die. A sick plant, if left untreated, may die. To combat the disease, use a solution of Fundazol or Rovral. Directions for use are indicated on the packaging.
To prevent any type of rot, you need to follow proper agricultural practices and plant only healthy plants. The disease, as in the case of root rot, leads to:
- waterlogging of the soil;
- increased air humidity;
- excess nitrogen;
- thickened plantings;
- moisture entering the leaf rosette and other parts of the plant.
Powdery mildew
With increasing temperature and humidity, a white, flour-like coating appears on the petioles of gerberas, especially in young plants. Over time it becomes off-white. If the disease is allowed to progress, the spots will begin to cover the entire leaf blade, which will lead to its drying out.
The final stage of the disease will be damage to peduncles, buds, and flowers. A passion for mineral fertilizing or a lack of calcium in the soil can lead to damage. Measures to combat powdery mildew are treatment with Fundazol or Topaz.
Prevention of the disease is as follows:
- maintaining temperature conditions;
- maintaining normal humidity;
- providing sufficient sunlight and normal ventilation; proper feeding.
Mosaic
This viral disease is transmitted by harmful insects, mainly sucking ones. The disease can also become more active at the end of the growing season, when the intensity of sunlight decreases, the air temperature drops, but humidity remains high.
Gerbera leaves are covered with spots of various shapes with clear boundaries, yellow-green in color. Subsequently, the leaf blade becomes deformed. Sometimes pronounced tissue pigmentation along the veins may appear. Necrosis is possible.
There is no cure for the virus, but preventive measures will help avoid the problem:
- be sure to treat the area against pests;
- do not plant the plant in an area where representatives of the Pumpkin family previously grew;
- follow basic agricultural practices.
Aphid
Aphids gather in colonies in places with the most delicate cover, that is, on the underside of gerbera leaves, on young peduncles and buds. By piercing the thin tissue of the plant with its proboscis, it sucks out nutrients from it, thereby weakening the flower. In addition, aphids are carriers of many unpleasant diseases, including mosaic.
Damaged leaves become deformed, turn yellow and dry out. Even if the flower stalks develop, the flower will be defective. You can fight aphids with chemicals - Decis, Karate, Inta-Vir, Actellik or Fitoverm. You can also use folk remedies, for example, pollinate plants with ash or tobacco dust.
Prevention of aphids:
- inspect plants for pests;
- fight weeds;
- follow the watering schedule.
Whitefly
This small white butterfly often attacks plants in greenhouses, but as temperatures and humidity rise, the pest can also be found in the garden. The insect feeds on plant sap. This leads to yellowing and drying of the leaves.
The signs by which the pest can be detected are as follows:
- the leaves are covered with a sticky shiny coating - these are traces of the butterfly’s activity;
- translucent scales appear on the surface of the leaf plate - larvae;
- gerbera is significantly stunted in growth;
- A common companion of whiteflies is sooty fungus.
The drugs Aktara, Akarin, Confidor or Iskra will help fight the pest. But re-treatment should be carried out after 1.5 - 2 weeks, since toxic substances affect the butterflies, but the ovipositor remains.
If you do not want to use toxic substances, then stock up on glue traps, for example, from the Pheromone company. Peppermint or nasturtium would be good neighbors in the flower garden. The smell of these plants repels the white-winged pest.
How to grow gerbera in a flowerbed
Growing gerbera in the garden and caring for it is simple and exciting, but requires compliance with the conditions necessary for long and lush flowering.
In the south of Russia, gerbera blooms from spring to autumn and winters without shelter without any problems. In the middle zone, flowering will be more modest, and for the winter the gerbera will have to be dug up and stored with a lump of earth in a cool, dry place.
Planting gerberas
Planting garden gerbera and its subsequent care begin at the end of winter. The plant is grown in seedlings. Seeds are sown in seedling containers from January to March in a mixture of garden soil with sand and compost. The seeds are planted very shallowly, only lightly sprinkled with soil. Shoots, as a rule, are unfriendly and appear after 10–12 days.
After several true leaves appear, the sprouts are planted in boxes or immediately in separate pots. For seedlings, choose the lightest window sills. Caring for seedlings involves regular moderate watering. When watering, water should not get into the root rosette, as the plant easily rots. Excessively abundant watering threatens the appearance of thrips on the surface of the earth. In this case, the watering rate is reduced, both the plant and the soil surface are treated with Fitoverm.
Care for gerbera in open ground
Gerbera seedlings are planted in open ground after the threat of frost has passed. This usually happens in the second half of May. Choose a sunny place for planting. The best soil for them is light, drained, with inorganic fertilizers added. If there is an excess of organic matter in the soil, the flower stalks become very elongated. Fading inflorescences must be removed promptly. This stimulates the appearance of new ovaries. During active growth and flowering, the gerbera is watered abundantly, preventing water from entering the rosette. After flowering, the soil is moistened only after the earthen clod has dried.
In autumn, gerberas are covered or dug up with a clod of earth. The shelter is made dry and ventilated so that the flower does not rot during the thaw.
In the spring, the gerbera is transferred to a pot of suitable size, moved to a warmer and brighter place and watering is increased. At the end of April - beginning of May, an adult plant is planted in open ground.
Reproduction methods
Planting and caring for garden gerbera also implies the possibility of its reproduction. In addition to sowing seeds for seedlings, gerbera can be propagated by dividing the bush.
Dividing the bush
The advantages of this method include:
- it turns out a lot of bushes;
- the flower becomes resistant to diseases;
- the plant develops quickly.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Dig up the bushes and divide them into 2-3 divisions, so that each has shoots and roots.
- Make the rhizomes shorter, about 15 cm long.
- Treat the sections with activated carbon.
- Plant in shady areas in early summer.
Seeds
Garden gerbera is planted with seeds from January to March. It is also important to take into account that plants grown from seeds will bloom only after 10 - 11 months, so spring sowing is desirable for a garden variety.
Prepare the nutrient mixture. To do this, you need to take 2 parts of turf soil, 1 part each of leaf and humus, sand (but not fine). Use low oblong pots with drainage holes as containers.
To prevent the development of pathogenic flora in the soil, spill it with a hot solution of weak potassium permanganate. After the soil has cooled, start sowing at home.
- Plant the seeds shallowly - 0.2–0.3 cm. It is best to spread them on moist soil, and lightly sprinkle dry soil on top.
- Planting pattern 3 – 5 mm. Such crowding is not terrible, because not all seeds will sprout.
- Cover the container with glass or a bag to create greenhouse conditions inside.
- Periodically moisten the soil (this is easy to do with a spray bottle) and ventilate the shelter. During this period, it is important to maintain a stable temperature of 18°C.
- The first shoots will appear on the 5th – 7th day. Within 10 days, the remaining seedlings appear. After 2 weeks, real leaves are already formed on them.
Start picking when the seedlings have 3–4 true leaves. Plant the seedlings in separate pots with a diameter of 8–10 cm. The temperature for growing seedlings is 18–20°C.
A month after picking, you can feed the young seedlings with complex mineral fertilizers. The next time the nutrient solution is added after 15 - 25 days. If your windows face north, the seedlings may not have enough natural light. Fluorescent lamps will help correct the situation and stop the stretching of seedlings.
When and how do buds appear?
The flowering period of gerbera is long and lasts almost the entire summer . The flowers grow large in size, resembling daisies or daisies. Simple, terry or semi-double. The beginning of flowering occurs at temperatures from 22 to 28 degrees, with a sufficient level of humidity.
Features of care during this period
For longer and more abundant flowering, you need to remove faded inflorescences, which will promote the formation of new buds. Cut dry stems as low as possible, as the remaining stumps may rot.
Possible problems when growing gerbera
When growing gerbera in a summer cottage, a gardener may encounter a number of problems. Knowing the cause of difficulties with the growth and flowering of perennials, it is easy to find solutions.
| Problem | Causes |
| Gerbera doesn't bloom | Excess nitrogen, too long daylight hours, violation of wintering conditions, few leaves in the rosette |
| The plant dries, turns yellow, withers | Excess or lack of moisture, lack of minerals in the soil, damage by fusarium, leaf pores clogged with dust and dirt |
| Leaves turn black | Cold water for irrigation, excessive moisture or, conversely, drought, low air temperature |
| The buds are withering | Little light, sudden temperature change |
Errors in agricultural technology
When planting gerbera seedlings in an open flower garden, you need to avoid common mistakes in agricultural technology:
- watering with cold, unsettled water;
- use of organic or chloride fertilizers;
- covering the root collar with soil during picking;
- landing in a shady, swampy place.
Growing gerbera in open ground is not a very difficult process. The main thing is to provide them with proper care and take into account all the nuances of wintering. These flowers will bloom long and profusely, decorating a flower bed, balcony, terrace or veranda.
Growing technique
In general, gerbera is an unpretentious plant that grows well in open ground. However, for good growth and abundant flowering, a number of conditions must be observed.
The soil
Gerbera prefers slightly acidic and well-drained soils. Since the plant is prone to root rot, it is advisable to carefully evaluate the substrate before planting and, if necessary, replace it with a suitable one. For additional safety, a thick layer of gravel can be poured at the bottom of the planting container or hole, which will ensure the drainage of excess moisture.
Temperature
The plant can be grown outdoors in areas characterized by a mild climate. However, even if the wintering climate is suitable, it is always a good idea to cover the roots and stem with a mulch consisting of leaves, manure and straw. In colder regions, before the first frost, the plant is removed to a warm room where the temperature does not drop below 5-7 °C.
Gerbera prefers sunny and well-ventilated places. However, in regions with very hot summers, it is best to place them in partial shade, as strong sun can cause leaf scorch and pests such as spider mites.
Watering
Watering should not be too frequent or abundant. If you water too often or too much, your gerbera will become vulnerable to root rot. To avoid water stagnation, drainage is used or the frequency of watering is reduced. In general, gerberas grow best in dry climates, so growing them in mountainous or very humid areas may end in failure.
Fertilizer
To get a long flowering period, it is advisable to apply liquid flowering plant fertilizers high in potassium and phosphorus every 15 days.
Pruning
During the growing season, it is enough to remove faded flowers and leaves. If the plant is grown outside, then at the end of autumn seasonal cleaning of the dried parts of the plant and subsequent mulching are required for better wintering.
Fertilizers
It is not recommended to use organic matter for feeding. Because it can cause various fungal diseases.
A complex mineral fertilizer for flowering plants is best suited. You can buy it at any flower shop. When the gerbera begins to grow green mass, it needs nitrogen-containing fertilizers, but when the buds bloom, you need to use fertilizers that contain calcium and potassium. It is thanks to the latter that flowering will be longer and more abundant.
Feeding should be done once every two weeks.
Brief description and origin story
Garden gerbera belongs to the Asteraceae, or Asteraceae, family. Is Gerbera a perennial or an annual? This flower is considered a perennial herbaceous plant.
Gerberas, like flowers, can decorate any area
The flower bushes are small, the foliage has a feathery shape with dissections and a glossy surface, formed into a rosette near the very root. The length of the bushes is about 35 cm. Sometimes there is pubescence at the base. The length of the stems is 30-60 cm, the basket of inflorescences is large. When opened, the flower has a diameter of 12 to 17 cm. Depending on the variety, the flowers are simple, semi-double or double. Flowering period is March-November. The plant's homeland is Africa, Madagascar, tropical Asia.
For your information! Gerbera has another name - Transvaal chamomile.
What can destroy seedlings
As you already understand, gerbera is a delicate plant that requires special care. Therefore, its seedlings are quite easy to destroy. To avoid this, you must remember what exactly can have a detrimental effect on their condition:
- water is too cold for irrigation;
- increased air humidity in the room;
- deviation of the air temperature in the room from the required values;
- low light;
- too much deepening of the root collar during picking.
Bloom
Perennial garden gerbera begins to bloom with the onset of summer, and this process does not stop until it ends. It is better to just admire the bright blooms and not try to collect a bouquet, as this can have bad consequences. The flower must not just be plucked, but directly unscrewed from the leaf rosette. If even a small piece of the stem remains there, the plant may rot, which will later lead to its death.
