When is the best time to sow Gerbera daisies

The Gerbera daisy is graceful and charming, with rich and vivid flower colors, and has the function of removing formaldehyde and benzene pollution caused by renovation; it is a green weapon against formaldehyde and benzene. So, do you know when to sow such a beautiful Gerbera daisy?

1. When to sow Gerbera daisies?

Gerbera daisies are sown in spring from March to May and in autumn from September to October. Choose plump seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours, then take them out and plant them in nutrient soil. The suitable germination temperature is 18-22°C, and they will germinate 7-10 days after sowing.

2. What are the cultivation techniques for Gerbera daisies?

1. Sowing and raising seedlings

Choose plump seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours, then take them out and plant them in nutrient soil. The suitable germination temperature is 18-22°C, and they will germinate 7-10 days after sowing.

2. Field planting

From the perspective of production and sales, the most suitable planting period is from late March to mid-April in spring; flowers can be harvested in autumn, and the plants enter the full flowering period in winter. Plant in a staggered pattern, with a plant spacing and row spacing of 40cm×50cm, and plant 6-8 plants per sq m. If the density is too high, it is prone to pest and disease infection and the number of flower buds decreases; if the density is too low, it affects the economic yield. Because the root system of the Gerbera daisy has the characteristic of contracting old roots, and the leaves grow basally from the stem, planting should follow the principle of shallow planting, requiring the root crown to be slightly exposed above the soil surface. If planted too deep, the plant sinks downward as the old roots contract, the growing point becomes buried in the soil, and the flower buds cannot easily emerge from the ground, affecting flowering.

3. Temperature management

The most suitable growth temperature for Gerbera daisies is 20-25°C; below 5°C or above 30°C, growth is slow. Gerbera daisies are quite sensitive to temperature differences, and it is better to keep the day-night temperature difference at 2-3°C. If the temperature difference is too large, it will cause deformed flowers. It is recommended to provide shade during strong light to avoid excessively high temperatures, and to spray water during the high-temperature period at noon.

4. Light management

Gerbera daisies prefer an environment with sufficient sunlight. With sufficient light, the plants grow robustly and the flower colors are vivid. The daily sunshine duration should be no less than 12 hours, and during low-light periods, supplement with artificial light at 3.5-4klx. Light duration and intensity directly affect the yield of Gerbera daisies; the longer the light duration, the higher the flower yield.

5. Fertilizer and water management

Gerbera daisies bloom year-round under protected cultivation, consume a lot of nutrients, and therefore need continuous topdressing throughout the entire growth period. Drip irrigation equipment is preferable, with a nutrient solution prepared for drip irrigation. Fertilization should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, with an appropriate increase in phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium fertilizers. Before the flowering period, special attention should be paid to supplementing potassium fertilizer to promote thick stems and strong flowers and increase flower yield. The relative air humidity should preferably not exceed 70%. To allow the plant root system to grow well, after watering at planting, irrigation should be carried out again when the root system is slightly dry, accompanied by topdressing. Watering should follow the principle of “water thoroughly when dry.” When watering during the flowering period, be careful not to let the center of the leaf rosette get wet, to prevent flower bud rot.

6. Thinning leaves and buds

Gerbera daisies are produced year-round, so leaves and buds should be thinned in a timely manner. Too many or too few leaves will reduce the number of flowers, so appropriate leaf removal is needed: promptly remove the withered and yellow leaves from the lower part of the basal leaf rosette, then remove leaves evenly from each branch, leaving 3-4 functional leaves per branch. In the early stage of seedling growth, the flower buds formed early should be removed to promote vegetative growth; during the flowering period, excess flower buds should also be thinned to ensure the quality of cut flowers. At the same time, market and seasonal factors should be considered to determine the number of flower stems.

Gerbera daisies are not difficult to grow and can also be potted. Cultivating a few plants at home can not only beautify the environment but also keep indoor air fresh.