GROWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GERBERAS
DELIGHT SERIES DARK-EYE SERIES SWIFT SERIES
Unpack boxes at once and place plants in greenhouse. Check for water and let plants acclimate for one or two days before planting. Foliage sometimes exhibits some leaf curl if plants have been in the shipping box for a few days. Foliage will uncurl in one or two days.
For good aeration, plants should be potted in a loose potting soil containing plenty of peat and some soil amendments such as perlite, vermiculite, calcine clay, or coarse sand. Better grades of peat-lite mixes can be used. Gerberas will not grow in soil mixes with poor aeration. Adjust pH to around 6.0.
Planting depth is very important. Gerberas branch heavily from the soil line, therefore the crown must be slightly above the soil line when planted.
Delight & Dark-Eye Series
4 1/2" Pots - Pot to Pot for first four weeks, then finish at 6" X 6" minimum spacing
5" Pots - Pot to Pot for first five weeks, then finish at 8" X 8" minimum spacing
6" Pots - Pot to Pot for first six weeks,then finish at 10" X 10" minimum spacing
Swift Series
- Can be finished in 4" Pots, with 6" X 6" minimum spacing
- Make an excellent 6" Pot from March through September
Light intensity for Gerberas should be full sunlight in Fall-Winter-Spring periods. During the Summer, a light shade may be used to reduce excessive greenhouse temperatures.
Ideal temperatures are 60 to 64 degrees F at night and 75 degree F Days. Temperatures in this range will produce top quality GERBERAS. They can tolerate warmer temperatures such as 90 degrees F, although some heat delay will occur. Temperatures below 60 degrees F will increase crop time significantly. For establishing plants after potting, a warm soil temperature - 65 to 68 degrees F is beneficial during Winter months. Once plants are established (2 - 3 weeks), temperatures can be reduced to 60 degrees F. This warmer temperature promotes a vigorous root system that will increase quality later on.
Gerberas respond favorably to high levels of fertilizing. Young transplants however, should be started out with medium levels of fertilizer such as 100 - 150 ppm constant feed for 2 to 3 weeks. Levels should then be increased to 150 to 200 ppm during Winter months and 200 to 250 ppm during Summer months or use 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per 100 gallons every 3rd or 4th watering. We have had excellent results using peat-lite 15-16-17 and 15-15-18. Slow release fertilizers such as Osmocote 14-14-14 may also be used in combination with liquid feeding. Avoid the use of high ammonia type fertilizers.
Whether growing in 4", 5", or 6" pots, one application of B-9 at 2500 ppm (4 level teaspoons per gallon of water) 10 to 14 days after potting, will produce a higher quality plant. During the hot Summer months, two applications of 2500 ppm (4 level teaspoons per gallon of water) may be more desirable, depending on light levels and watering practices. During the Winter months, a second application of 2500 ppm may be needed.
Pot Size Period Treatment
4 1/2 " to 5 1/2" Fall through Spring 2 to 4 weeks after potting -
1 to 2 applications of 2500 ppm.
6" Fall through Spring 1 application of 2500 ppm.
4 1/2" to 5 1/2" Summer 2 applications of 2500 ppm - a third
spot treatment may be necessary during
during warm,cloudy periods to prevent
flower stretch.
6" Summer 1 application of 2500 ppm with a
second spot treatment.
No growth regulator treatment required for 4" pot production in Winter. During Summer production 1 application of 1250 ppm to 2500 ppm depending on cultural conditions may be needed. All other cultural requirements are the same as the Delight Series. Remember when growing any Gerberas from a 200 plug, soil temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees F. must be maintained the first 3 - 4 weeks to insure good initial root development. After 4 weeks temperatures can be lowered to 60 - 64 degrees F. Swift Gerbera also produce an outstanding 6" pot during the longer day length periods of March through September.
During the October through March period, extended day length (10 foot candles) is beneficial, but not necessary, for Gerbera for the first 4 weeks ONLY. Extending the day length for 4 to 5 hours promotes rapid growth and more even growth. DO NOT EXTEND days after 4 weeks or excessive foliage growth will occur and flowering will be inhibited.
After potting, drench with either Banrot, 8 ounces per 100 gallons, or use a combination of Cleary's WP at 16 ounces, plus Subdue 2E, 1 1/2 ounces per 100 gallons. Leaf spot diseases such as Alternaria and Phytophthora and Powdery Mildew can be controlled with Pipron, Banner, Dithane M-45 or Daconil. Bayleton 25% WP at 2 ounces per 100 gallons gives excellent control for Powdery Mildew. Do not use more than twice per crop because Bayleton acts as a growth regulator also. For Botrytis control on open flowers, use Chipco 26019 or Ornalin.
Leaf Miners, mites - especially cyclamen mites - and thrip are the main insects to guard against. Spray Pentac WP or Aquaflow on a preventive basis for cyclamen mites. Avid can be used for flower thrips. Leaf miners can be controlled by using any of the insecticides labeled for leaf miners.
Small's Pot Gerberas make great patio plants. They can also be planted in the ground in full sun or partial shade. Plants will withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees F. and will resprout if foliage is killed by frost. To create a novelty item, place three 4" Gerberas in an 8" bulb pan. Since Gerberas do not flower all at once, wait until plants start flowering, then you will be able to choose any assortment of colors for the 8" pan.
1) If flower stems are too tall or foliage too large - increase light intensity or use more B-9.
2) If flowers are too short or hidden in the foliage - this could result from excessive fertilizer (nitrogen or ammonia), plants drying out too frequently, too much growth regulator, or average growing temperature too low.
3) If flowers are distorted - this is caused by mites or thrips.
4) If plant is stunted or fails to grow - usually caused by poor drainage, packing soil too tightly, or low soil temperature.
5) If plant wilts or dies - it was planted too deep and eventually was killed by crown rot.
Weeks to Finish Weeks to Finish Weeks to Finish
Container From 200 Plug From 1 1/2" Cell From 2 1/4" Cell
Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter
4" Pot 10 - 11 12 - 13 8 - 9 10 - 11 6 - 7 8 - 9
5" Pot 11 - 12 13 - 14 9 - 10 11 - 12 7 - 8 9 - 10
6" Pot 12 - 13 16 - 17 10 - 11 14 - 15 8 - 9 12 - 13
4" Pot 8 - 9 10 - 11 N/A N/A