Facts about Gerbera...

Gerbera are easy to care for. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, in pots or directly on the ground. However there are a few things that needs to be taken care of. I will be sharing a few tips for growing gerberas.

1. Soil: I have been using mixture of soil and cow dung manure, and a bit of leaf mulch and believe me, the plants are doing great. But we need to make sure the potting mix is well drained.
2. Light: The plant needs to be kept in direct sunlight for heavy blooms in spring, however with increasing summer  temperatures the plant requires some afternoon shade.
3. Water:  Water your gerberas thoroughly but  make sure the excess water must drain out or else soggy potting mix will lead to root rot. Water your gerberas only when you see the top soil is dry ( do not overwater your gerbs )
4. Pruning: Remove the dead flower heads and the dead leaves.( you may sun dry the leaves and add them as mulch). Removing the dead flower heads encourages new buds and new growth.
5. Fertilizer: Use organic fertilizers like kitchen compost, cow dung manure, compost tea.
6. Reporting: The gerberas often get bound to the container hence requires repotting. After the blooming season is over, leave the plant in the pot. Autumn is the best season to repot your gerberas. Remove the plant from the container and use a slightly big container than the previous one. Or you may also divide the plant and keep them in the same sized containers.
7. Check the leaves for catterpillars, aphids and mites. Use a water jet to remove them or you may also use neem oil which is readily available in the market. However if you add proper nutrients to your plants and keep the plant healthy, the plant won't be infected by diseases.

Hope this post helps you. Catch you in my next post. Till then stay healthy and safe.

Happy gardening !