 blooming
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gerbera
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BOTANICAL NAME
Gerbera jamesonii
(GUR-bur-uh jaym-SO-nee-eye)
(also JUR-bur-uh, jur-BEE-ruh,
gur-BEE-ruh and JAYM-sun-eye)
COMMON NAMES
Transvaal daisy, Barberton
daisy,
African daisy, Veldt daisy
DESCRIPTION
Gerberas’
large daisylike (composite) blooms, including single, double,
semidouble, quilled and crested flower types, generally range
from 2 to 31⁄2 inches in diameter and stand on leafless stems
above a base of crinkly, deeply lobed leaves. The newer, compact
varieties of potted Gerberas usually reach 6 to 12 inches
in height, depending on pot size, which range from 4 to 6
inches.
COLORS
Gerberas
are available in a variety of warm, usually vibrant, hues
including reds, pinks, orange/peach/salmon/apricot, yellows and
cream/ivory/white as well as bicolors.
DECORATIVE LIFE
In ideal environments and with proper care, potted Gerberas’
bloom cycles can span from two to six weeks, depending on
variety.
AVAILABILITY
Gerbera
plants are available year-round.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT
These plants require bright light, including some exposure to
direct sun.
WATER
Gerbera plants need moderately moist soil. Water them
thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch. Be
careful, however, not to overwater, and do not allow pots to
stand in water.
TEMPERATURE
Moderate temperatures are preferred. When flowering, potted
Gerberas like daytime temperatures between 65 F and 70 F and
nighttime temperatures from 60 F to 65 F. During the winter, do
not expose these plants to temperatures lower than 55 F.
HUMIDITY
Gerbera plants prefer humid environments. Place pots on a
pebble tray, or mist leaves frequently in spring and summer, if
the relative humidity level needs to be raised.
FERTILIZER
Feed potted Gerberas weekly during their blooming cycles.
SOIL
Loose, humus-rich soil or a standard soil mix with sand is
preferred.
GROOMING
Cut off flowers as they fade.
REPOTTING
After the first set of blooms fade, weather permitting,
transplant the plant into a patio pot, and enjoy for the rest of
the season. In colder regions, store the plant indoors or in a
greenhouse during the winter months. Some people choose to
discard Gerbera plants, which are grown from seed,
following their initial blooming cycle.
CHALLENGES
PESTS
Watch closely for whiteflies. Treat infested plants with
insecticidal soap.
DISEASES
Powdery mildew, a fungal growth that appears as a dusty white to
gray coating on leaf surfaces or other plant parts, can occur.
On indoor plants, powdery mildew can be removed by rubbing the
leaves, in most cases. For severe cases, spray the plant with a
commercial plant fungicide. In addition, reduce the relative
humidity around the plant, and gather and dispose of fallen
leaves.
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WHAT'S IN A
NAME
The genus Gerbera is named after Traugott Gerber, an
18th-century German medical doctor and naturalist who was
the director of the oldest botanical garden in Moscow,
taught medicine at the university and created a medical
garden to educate medical students in herbology.
The species epithet,
jamesonii, was given in honor of Robert Jameson
(1832-1908), a Scottish condiment manufacturer who collected
live specimens of these plants while on a gold prospecting
expedition in Barberton, South Africa, in 1884.
HOME SWEET
HOME
Gerberas are native to South Africa.
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Some information provided by:
Chain of Life Network®,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
Dictionary of Plant Names, by Allen J. Coombes
Flowering & Foliage Plants Book 2 by The John Henry Company
The Houseplant Encyclopedia by Ingrid Jantra and Ursula Kruger
The New House Plant Expert, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
New Pronouncing Dictionary of Plant Names by Florists’ Review
Stearn’s Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners by William
T. Stern
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