3 Review(s)

Grow one of the most cheerful flowers around all summer long on your patio.One of the most cheerful flowers around, now you can enjoy and pick gerberas all summer long. In gorgeous bold orange-red, ‘Garvinea Sweet Glow’ flowers again and again with 2-3" blooms atop tenacious tall stems. Pleasing in landscapes and containers. In hot environments, these do best in part-shade..How to Sow and PlantGerbera may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frostSowing Seed Indoors:Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost.Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.Firm lightly and keep evenly moistSeedlings emerge in 14-28 daysAs soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong rootsBefore planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.Transplanting in the Garden:After all danger of frost, select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.Space plants 18 inches apart.Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. In general gerberas may be fed about twice a month.Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Deadhead plants for continuous bloom.Gerberas are ideal as cut flowers.They may be grown as a house plant.