Friday, June 13, 2008

Featured Flower: Potted Gerberas

Gerberas are also wonderful potted as well as decorative garden plants. Ontario’s potted gerbera production has grown from virtually nothing only a few years ago to become Ontario’s 8th most important potted flower crop. Although they are perennials in very warm climates, gerberas are generally treated as annuals in Ontario, as they are not winter hardy.

The vividly colored daisy blooms stand proud on bare stems shooting out of deeply lobed, lanced-shaped leaves. Potted gerberas will flower continuously for 4-6 weeks with proper care. Bright light locations are preferred as well as moderately moist soil. Water thoroughly when soil surface is dry to the touch. Do not allow plants to stand in water.

Ontario potted gerberas are usually sold in 4.5” and 6” sizes and because of their lightweight lushness, lend themselves to containers with weight like ceramic or stone. They can be used as indoor or outdoor table arrangements, gifts, decoration in a sunroom/patio or planted in garden beds for an instant splash of color. Caring for them as a houseplant not only livens up your home but purifies the indoor air of toxins. They are listed in the top 12 “Green” air cleaners by NASA.

Pick Ontario potted gerberas from January through September.

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