Gerbera cultivation methods for better and more beautiful blooms

Soil

Gerberas are very sensitive to water, so use a medium with good air permeability and drainage, preferably a substrate mixed with peat and perlite. A pH value of 5.5-6.0 and an EC value of 0.7 to 1.0 are beneficial for the absorption of trace elements.

Watering

Potted gerberas are extremely sensitive to moisture, so the correct timing of watering must be ensured. Water in the morning or evening, and keep the plant relatively dry at nightfall. When the plant begins to grow roots, watering must be done from below, and the bottom-soaking method can be used; during high temperatures, watering can be done from above the plant, but be careful to prevent fungal mildew that starts from the center of the plant.

Sunlight

The most suitable day length for gerberas during growth is 11-13 hours, so artificial supplemental lighting can be used during periods of low light. Generally, the requirement for artificial supplemental lighting is 3500 to 4000 lux per sq m.

Temperature

The most suitable growing temperature for gerberas is between 15°C-25°C, with the maximum not higher than 30°C and the minimum not lower than 13°C. High temperatures will affect normal flower bud differentiation, and low temperatures will cause plant death.

Fertilizing

Gerberas are fertilizer-loving perennial herbaceous flowers with high fertilizer demands. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in fertilization is 15:18:25. Special attention should be paid to supplementing potassium fertilizer. Apply 2.5 kg of potassium nitrate per mu, and 1.2 kg of ammonium nitrate or ammonium phosphate, once every 5-6 days, and once every 10 days. If high temperatures or relatively low temperatures cause the plant to enter a semi-dormant state, stop fertilizing.

Pests and diseases

Gerbera diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and viral disease. For leaf spot, spray with 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 800-1000 times dilution or 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 500 times dilution. For powdery mildew, use 70% thiophanate-methyl at 1500 times dilution or 75% triforine wettable powder at 1000-1200 times dilution for control, once every 7-10 days, spraying 2-3 times continuously.

Pruning

The lower leaves of the basal leaf cluster of gerberas tend to turn yellow and age, and should be removed promptly. This not only helps the emergence of new leaves and new flower buds, but also helps ventilation and strengthens plant growth. In addition, if the branches and leaves are too lush and shade each other without ventilation, some leaves can be appropriately removed.