How to grow gerbera from seeds?

Gerbera is very popular among gardeners; it is also grown as an indoor crop. To date, there are about 70 species of it. The flower most closely resembles a colored chamomile. Gerbera can have almost any color except blue, and varying degrees of terry. It grows as a houseplant for several years, and in open ground it is grown as an annual, since it cannot withstand wintering, because the birthplace of this plant is South Africa. How to grow gerbera from seeds? Only by seedling method.

First, in March-April, the seeds are sown in special seedling boxes. They are laid out on the surface of the moistened substrate and lightly sprinkled with earth. Then the boxes are covered with glass or plastic film, thus arranging mini greenhouse. Regularly moisten the soil by spraying and ventilate it. Shoots will appear in 8-10 days. In another couple of weeks they will have real leaves, when there are 3-4 of them, you can plant the seedlings in separate containers.

For growing seedlings, the optimal temperature is 18-20 degrees; it should be shaded from the active sun. If you plan to grow a gerbera as a houseplant, then in winter it needs additional lighting. Into the ground The plant is planted after the night frosts have passed. For abundant flowering she needs sunny place and abundant watering. After artificial pollination, a capsule fruit is formed. You can collect your own seeds. Or you can dig up a plant with a lump of earth for the winter and store it in the cellar, like dahlias.Some gardeners simply replant the plant in a pot for the winter and place it on the windowsill as a houseplant. You don’t have to worry about how to grow a gerbera from seeds, but simply propagate it by dividing the bush.