The African beauty Gerbera holds her head proudly. She could be the sister of Russian daisy. These two flowers are very similar in appearance. There is even a common way to propagate flowers such as chamomile and gerbera - growing from seeds.
In the wild, gerberas grow in Africa, China, Japan, Australia, South America and the island of Madagascar. There are about 70 species of this flower. Not only her appearance is interesting, but also the story. The Dutch nerd Jan Gronovius opened the gerbera for European society as early as 1717, but then it did not receive wide recognition. Over the next 20 years, she did not even have her own name, and then began to be named after Gerber, a famous German doctor. And for a good hundred years, she remained oblivious, like a sleeping beauty, waiting for the hour of her triumph. All modern gerberas were bred from two main species: Jameson's gerbera and green-leaf gerbera. Now it is one of the most popular flowers for a bouquet for any occasion.
Simple and terry, white, yellow, orange and pink - all this is a gerbera. Growing from the seeds of this plant these days is quite common. Its height is from 25 to 60 centimeters. Flowers can reach a diameter of 12-16 centimeters. Gerberas have a number of significant advantages. Firstly, they do not require complicated care. Secondly, the period of their flowering is quite long - from early spring to late autumn. Thirdly, they retain freshness in a bouquet for a very long time.
It is possible even at home to obtain a gerbera flower from seeds. Growing it is not very difficult. Seeds are sown in February or March in light soil to a shallow depth and left to germinate at room temperature. The first sprouts appear in a week or two. For constant growth, the flower is planted after the formation of the 4-5th leaf. Such a plant will bloom no earlier than 10-11 months from the date of sowing. For gerbera, seed cultivation is the most favorable way of propagation.
Many women are very fond of receiving gifts in the form of fresh
flowers in pots. Gerberas can also grow in pots. However, only one plant species is suitable for this. Having received such a gift, you must follow a number of rules for caring for the gerbera plant. Growing from seeds was the first step. Now you need to observe the temperature regime and provide sufficient lighting. Gerberas love bright sunlight. From late August to early March - a dormant period when the flower grows leaves. The optimum temperature for him during this period is 12-14 degrees. Gerbera should be watered abundantly, but not excessively. If you follow these recommendations, then the rest of the year the plant will delight with abundant flowering.
In the climatic conditions of Russia, the best way for a gerbera flower is to grow from seeds. These flowers are bred in greenhouses, where they grow as a perennial herb. In open ground conditions, gerberas are annuals, as they are very tender and unable to tolerate winter cold. Not even the warmest shelter will save them from freezing.