"Gerbera jamesonii -     African Daisy"

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USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Height: 24 in (60 cm)

Spacing: 12 in (30 cm)

Type: annual

Flowers: Orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow

Growing Gerbera jamesonii

Comments: African Daisy produces brightly colored flowers on long stems. The plant can be grown in pots and the flowers are good for cutting. Flowers are cut when the outer row of petals show pollen. If cut sooner, the flowers will wilt. Use a loose, well-drained soil containing good amounts of organic matter. An acid soil prevents chlorotic plants. Gerbera is also offered by florists as a potted plant.

Propagation

Propagation: Gerbera may be propagated by seed or cuttings. Basal shoots taken from plants that were over wintered as potted plants can be used as cuttings to produce more plants for the garden in spring. The seed loses viability quickly. If no germination takes place within 12 to 25 days, none probably will. The roots are easily damaged during transplanting. The plant grows slowly so should be started early indoors. If transplanted, do not set the crown below soil level.

Powdery Mildew Disease

Powdery mildew causes a white powdery growth on the leaves. Remove and destroy diseased plants at the end of the season. Related information: Powdery Mildew

Cultivars

'Rainbow Mix' - A mixture of yellow, red, orange, pink and white flowers.

References for Cultivars: Wayside Gardens 1999.

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This information kindly supplied by Michigan State University Extension, Ornamental Plants.

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