Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is one of the most popular ornamental plants, valued for its vibrant and attractive flowers that are widely used in bouquets and floral arrangements. Cultivating Gerbera under controlled greenhouse conditions significantly enhances flower quality, increases yield, and extends the production season. Greenhouse structures provide an optimal and protective environment that shields the plants from extreme temperatures, adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases, while promoting uniform growth.
1. Climate and Growing Conditions
- Temperature: Ideal day temperature is 22-25°C and night temperature is 15-18°C. Stable temperatures are crucial for continuous flowering.
- Humidity: An optimal humidity range of 70-75% is necessary for healthy plant development, minimizing disease incidence.
- Light: Gerbera requires bright light for at least 10-12 hours a day. Shading nets are used during peak summer to prevent heat stress.
- Ventilation: Proper air circulation through natural or forced ventilation helps control humidity and temperature while reducing fungal infection risks.
2. Soil and Growing Media
- Gerbera prefers well-drained and porous soil or soilless media like cocopeat, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure healthy root development.
- Soil pH should range between 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal nutrient availability.
- Raised beds (1 m wide and 30 cm high) or grow bags are commonly used in greenhouse cultivation.
3. Varieties
- Popular greenhouse cultivars include Stanza, Rosalin, Sangria, Dana Ellen, and Savannah.
- Variety selection should be based on regional climate conditions and specific market preferences for flower size and color.
4. Propagation
- Gerbera is mainly propagated through tissue culture plantlets or division of suckers.
- Tissue culture provides genetically uniform, virus-free planting material, which enhances quality and yield.
- Planting spacing is maintained at 30x30 cm or 40x40 cm depending on the cultivar and growing practices.
5. Planting and Maintenance
- Transplanting is best done during moderate climate conditions to ensure stress-free establishment.
- Shallow planting is essential to avoid crown rot and other fungal infections.
- Drip irrigation is recommended to maintain consistent soil moisture levels while avoiding waterlogging.
- Timely removal of old, dead, or diseased leaves helps improve air movement and plant health.
6. Fertigation Management
- Water-soluble fertilizers like NPK 19:19:19, 12:61:00, and 00:52:34 are applied via drip systems for efficient nutrient delivery.
- Micronutrient supplementation (Mg, Zn, Fe, B) is critical for enhancing flower size, color, and plant vitality.
- The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution should be maintained between 1.2 to 1.5 mS/cm for optimal uptake.
7. Pest and Disease Management
- Common pests: Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
- Common diseases: Powdery mildew, Botrytis (grey mold), and Phytophthora root rot.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies include using neem oil sprays, sticky traps, and minimal chemical use.
8. Harvesting
- Harvesting typically begins 8-10 weeks after planting and continues throughout the growing season.
- Flowers are cut when outer petals are perpendicular to the stem axis, ensuring maximum vase life.
- Harvest is done early in the morning or late in the evening to preserve freshness.
- Stems of 40-60 cm in length are preferred for the market.
9. Post-Harvest Handling
- Cut stems are dipped in clean water or floral preservative solution to prolong freshness.
- Flowers are graded based on stem length, flower diameter, and uniformity.
- Packing is done in ventilated boxes with cushioning to prevent mechanical injury during transportation.
10. Extra Activities to Improve Quality and Yield
- Disbudding: Side buds are removed to direct energy to the main flower bud for improved size and symmetry.
- Mulching: Black polyethylene mulch helps in moisture conservation and weed suppression.
- Netting: Flower support nets ensure straight stem growth and prevent lodging.
- CO₂ Enrichment: Controlled CO₂ levels inside the greenhouse can enhance photosynthesis and increase yield.
- Soil and Water Testing: Periodic testing allows precise nutrient and water management.
- Sanitation Practices: Cleaning tools, removing infected material, and maintaining hygiene reduces disease outbreaks.
- Record Keeping: Tracking growth, inputs, and yield patterns helps in making data-driven decisions for future crops.
Conclusion
Gerbera cultivation in greenhouses offers a high return on investment when integrated with good agricultural practices, automation, and quality inputs. Detailed attention to environmental control, pest management, and post-harvest procedures results in superior quality flowers suitable for domestic and export markets.
