Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Barberton Daisy, Transvaal Daisy

Comprising around 30 species of tough peren­nials from Africa, Madagascar and Asia, ger­beras are very popular cut flowers, gaining renewed popularity in recent years. The daisy-like blooms grow on long stems from a spread­ing rosette of long, rough-edged leaves.

Species

G. jamesonii, Transvaal or Barberton daisy, has orange flowers, about 8 cm (3 in) in diameter, on 30 cm (12 in) long stems. It is the parent species of the many hybrids, available in a dazzling colour range, in single and double form, most larger than the original species.

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, grow gerberas as pot plants in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. Use soil-based potting compost, and provide good light. Outdoors, gerberas need warmth and full sun, and are unable to survive severe frosts. Space the plants at least 50 cm (20 in) apart as the long leaves spread widely. Gerberas must be planted with their crowns set above soil level. The soil must be very well drained; if there is any doubt about this, grow them in raised beds. Gerberas can be propagated by root division, best done after the plants have flowered for two years. Straight species can be raised from seed.

Climate

Zone 9.