Annuals Dictionary: Gerbera
Daisy family
Compositae
Ger’ber-ra. A genus of perhaps 70 species of South African or Asiatic, mostly stemless, herbs.
Description
From a basal rosette of leaves arise stout stalks bearing a single daisylike flower.
How to Grow
These plants grow slowly. For first-year bloom, start seeds indoors in late fall or midwinter at 70-75° F (21-24° C). Give light; do not cover with soil. Shift to progressively larger pots, and set out in sunny site when danger of frost is past. Needs cool nights to bloom. Where summers are hot, give afternoon shade and ample moisture. Will overwinter in mild climates if the soil is well drained. Prefers warm weather.
Gerbera Jamesonii
Transvaal Daisy ; Barberton Daisy . To 1 ft. (45 cm) high. Flowerheads solitary, 4 in. (10 cm) wide, the rays orange or orange-red in the typical form, but white, yellow, pink, salmon, or violet in cultivars. Transvaal. Perennial grown as a half-hardy annual.