Garden beds most suitable for gerberas should be sited where they can get the full morning or afternoon sun.
|
Gerberas
Gerberas are naturally adapted to hot and sunny conditions and have been popular in Queensland gardens for decades.
Bearing single to multi-petalled flowers, in a large range of strong, rich, colours, gerberas can always be relied on to brighten the garden as well as making an excellent cut flower for the home.
Generally, these perennial plants flower from early autumn through until late spring, and bear fully developed flower heads in a wide range of colours.
The Bauer gerberas in particular feature very large, showy flower heads, up to 250-mm diameter, on long stems. The Bauer gerberas were originally developed and bred in Bundaberg by Bauer’s Gerbera Nursery. More recently, the range of gerberas, including Bauer, available from Hawkins Home and Garden Centres are grown by Colorflora, one of our own production nurseries.
|
For best results
Garden beds most suitable for gerberas should be sited where they can at least get the full morning or afternoon sun without reflected heat from brick walls and fences. As gerberas enjoy perfect drainage, conditioned garden soil should be built up about 20cm above the surrounding soil level. Soil should be light, friable and open to allow adequate air and moisture to the plant’s root system. Heavy clay soils can be improved by digging in larger amounts of compost and Gypsum to open up the clay.
Be prepared
All gerberas love what we refer to as a well-composted soil – preferably one that retains enough moisture for shallow and deeper roots, but one that drains away excess water freely. The addition of Searles Real Compost and blood and bone worked into the soil would work to achieve this. As gerberas are susceptible to root rot fungi, it is important not to use materials like fresh animal manures, sawdust or grass clippings. If these were to be used, they would need to be well composted before use. Spread one handful of a complete fertiliser that is suitable for roses plus one tablespoon of Trace Elements over each square metre of soil. On acid soils an application of lime or dolomite may be needed to raise the pH. All this should be evenly turned and worked well into the soil, preferably a couple of weeks before planting.
Important Information
It is important not to plant gerberas too deeply into the soil. Try to ensure the crown of the gerbera is well above the soil level to avoid soil washing into the crown where it can promote rotting. Gerberas can be grown in the same position for two or three years when old plants can be lifted, divided and replanted. Early autumn or spring is an ideal time to divide gerberas. This lifting and dividing helps ensure the quality of the flowers is maintained.
Maintenance
A light application of a complete plant food or rose fertiliser every two months should be sufficient to promote healthy plants. The use of fertilisers containing high nitrogen levels will result in excess leaf growth and a reduction in flowering. Soluble or liquid fertilisers are very suitable for gerberas, but would need to be applied every fortnight.
|
Disease and Pest Patrol
Although gerberas are prone to fungal diseases, most can be avoided by practising ‘prevention rather than cure’. Watering in the morning or during the day is preferred, rather than the evening, to allow foliage to quickly dry after watering. Care should be taken to water soil rather than the foliage to help avoid fungal problems. Water less often in autumn and winter.
In Hawkins’ production nursery, a regular spray program every week using Charlie Carp mixed with Neem Oil is successfully used on gerberas to help build up the plants’ resistance to fungal and other diseases. Charlie Carp also supplies nutrients to the plant through the foliage, while helping to maintain a healthy soil and root system. This weekly program would be beneficial to the home gardener too.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur, especially during the long, dewy nights of autumn, or prolonged periods of showery weather. After removal of most of the diseased foliage, Copper Oxychloride can be applied to protect the new growth.
In the case of white rust, spraying to cover upper and lower leaf surfaces with Zineb is appropriate, mainly as a preventative.
Root rot can occur during periods of prolonged wet weather and can be best controlled by drenching the soil with Fongarid.
Mites can breed under leaves during hot dry weather, sucking the sap from the foliage, causing the leaf to have a mottled and/or distorted appearance. After removal of the worst affected leaves, thoroughly spray the upper and lower leaf surfaces choosing from Natrasoap, Neem Oil or Confidor. Follow-up sprays may be required to keep outbreaks of mites under control.
Caterpillars sometimes appear in the flower heads during hot weather and may be controlled using Pyretherum or Dipel.
Availability
Potted gerberas are available from Hawkins Home & Garden Centres for planting throughout most of the year.
Happy Healthy Strong Guarantee
At Hawkins, they guarantee that every gerbera they sell will grow up healthy and strong every time. If at any time you are not completely satisfied, return it to them with your receipt and they will replace the plant. They&squo;re there to help you grow.
Further Information
At Hawkins Home & Garden Centres, Horticultural Advisors are always available to help you choose the right plants, soil conditioners, fertilisers and treatments most suitable for your particular needs. Just ask the experts at Hawkins.
|
