Gerbera flower is cultivated for the cash crop. It is a perennial flower which was first found in Africa. At present, there are about 70 different varieties of Gerbera flowers, which are very popular for their special beauty. In this, the flower comes out stemless, which is found in many colours, and these flowers remain fresh for a long time, due to which they are used more for decoration. Moreover, these flowers can be easily grown in the summer season. Therefore, an ordinary person can easily apply it in his house, courtyard and gardens.
Due to the high demand for these flowers in the market, farmers can also earn a good income by Gerbera farming. In India, Gerbera is cultivated in large quantities in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Gujarat. As a result, Gerbera flower cultivation can earn more profit at less cost.
Soil, Climate And Temperature
Fertile soil which does not have water logging is considered suitable for Gerbera cultivation. But for taking production in large quantities, sandy loam soil containing organic matter is required. Apart from this, the pH value of the farmland should be between 5-8.
The temperate and warm climate has been considered appropriate for its cultivation. The Winter season is not suitable for Gerbera cultivation because its plants need to develop properly in winter. Apart from this, plant development is good in rain and summer. In the hot season, along with giving them light shade, they also have to do more irrigation.
Gerbera seeds germinate at average temperature, and after seed germination, the plant can tolerate a maximum temperature of 35 degrees in summer. In the cold season, grow them in a place where the night temperature is around 10 degrees. In the cultivation of the Gerbera flower, a maximum temperature of 25 degrees during the day and a minimum of 15 degrees at night is the best.
Gerbera Farming Field Preparation
To cultivate the Gerbera flower, loose and clean land is required. For this, in the beginning, the remains of the old crop present in the field are destroyed and removed by the Massey Ferguson tractor. For this, deep ploughing of the field is done by planting plough. Now the field is left open for a few days. Harmful organisms present in the soil die due to sunlight in the open field. After this, put old rotten cow dung manure or vermicompost manure in the field and mix it well. Now the field has to be ploughed by applying water.
After ploughing, when the land becomes dry, it is ploughed again by adding chemical fertilizers. This way, the soil will appear friable, and then level the ground by placing a slab in the field. Gerbera plants can be planted in both seed and seedling form, so prepare a ridge in the area. These meadows should be constructed at a distance of two feet.
Transplanting Method And Time
Transplanting of Gerbera plants can be done in any season throughout the year except the winter season. But for a better yield, it is best to plant it from June to August. Apart from this, February and March are also suitable for growing saplings.
Gerbera plants are planted in the prepared ridges of the field. Its plants are produced at a distance of one foot on the beds prepared in the nursery. While transplanting the Gerbera plant in the area, press the plant’s roots correctly in the soil, but do not press any newly emerging leaves. It is excellent to transplant Gerbera plants in the evening with the help of any powerful Sonalika tractor, due to which the plants germinate properly.
Gerbera Farming Irrigation
Gerbera plants need more irrigation. Therefore, its first irrigation should be done immediately after transplanting. After this, keep giving light irrigation till the plants germinate, and keep sharing the proper amount of water till the plants develop.
Before planting gerbera it is important to select good gerbera variety, color combination also affects the benefits of gerbera. For marketing, the gerbera grower has the right color combination in the box for the purpose. We use this color combination in our greenhouse.
Give water to Gerbera plants twice a week in the summer season and at an interval of 15 to 20 days in the winter. In the rainy season, give water to the plants only if there is no rain on time; otherwise, don’t give it.
Field Fertilizer Quantity
For the excellent development of Gerbera plants, it is necessary to give them the proper amount of manure and fertilizers. For this, 15 to 20 carts of rotten cow dung manure are used per hectare of land, and use 40 KG Phosphorus, 30 KG Nitrogen and 40 KG Potash as chemical fertilizer.
Gerbera Farming Weed Control
Gerbera plants are not very tall, so it is essential to control weeds; otherwise, the effect of many types of pests and diseases can be seen in the plants.
The natural method should be adopted for weed control. For this, two to three weeding of plants has to be done. The first weeding should be done after about 20 to 25 days, and the remaining weeding should be done in 15 to 20 days.
Weeding and hoeing of soil:
Weeds compete for gerbera plants, taking up nutrients and affecting production. That’s why they should be removed. Due to daily irrigation, the surface of the gerbera bed becomes hard, and hence tillage of the soil is required. Raking increases soil aeration. The calculation should be done twice a month.
Harvesting Benefits
Gerbera plants start yielding about 5 to 6 months after transplanting. When the flowers on the plants are seen in full bloom, harvest them. After this, keep them in a pot of water. In the beginning, the flowers of Gerbera have to be plucked in two days, but when the flowers start blooming more, then harvesting should be done daily. After harvesting, bundles are prepared by collecting 12 to 15 branches of flowers with equal-sized stalks. In a year, 200 to 250 flowers are found in one square metre. By selling which farmer brothers can earn well.
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