Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are among the most popular and versatile flowers in the floral industry. Known for their vibrant colors, sturdy stems, and impressive vase life, these South African natives have become a staple in both retail and wholesale flower markets worldwide.

Botanical Overview

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Origin: South Africa
Flower Type: Composite flower head with multiple petals surrounding a central disc
Stem Length: Typically 12-24 inches for cut flowers
Bloom Size: 3-5 inches in diameter for standard varieties

Varieties and Classifications

By Size

• Standard Gerberas: 4-5 inch blooms, most common in the trade
• Mini Gerberas: 2-3 inch blooms, popular for boutonnieres and smaller arrangements
• Mega Gerberas: 5+ inch blooms, premium varieties for special occasions

By Petal Type

• Single Petal: Classic daisy appearance with a single row of petals
• Double Petal: Fuller appearance with multiple layers of petals
• Semi-Double: Moderate fullness between single and double varieties

Popular Varieties

• Revolution Series: Excellent vase life, strong stems
• Jaguar Series: Vibrant colors, reliable performance
• Pasta Series: Unique bicolor combinations
• Pomponi Series: Small, double-flowered varieties

Color Range

Gerberas offer one of the widest color palettes in the flower world:

Hot Colors: Red, orange, hot pink, yellow, coral
Pastel Colors: Light pink, peach, cream, pale yellow, lavender
Bold Colors: Fuchsia, purple, deep red, burnt orange
Specialty Colors: Bicolors, spider varieties with contrasting centers, green-tinted varieties

Sourcing and Selection

Quality Indicators

• Stem Strength: Stems should be firm and straight, not bent or weak
• Flower Head: Petals should be fresh and crisp, not wilted or brown at edges
• Center Condition: The center disc should be tight and not overly developed
• Foliage: Leaves should be green and turgid, not yellowing or drooping

Seasonal Availability

• Peak Season: Year-round availability from greenhouse production
• Best Quality: Cooler months often produce stronger stems and better colors
• Holiday Demand: High demand for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and spring events

Major Growing Regions

• Netherlands: Premium quality, consistent supply
• Colombia: Cost-effective, good quality
• Ecuador: High-altitude growing, excellent stem strength
• Kenya: Emerging market with competitive pricing
• Domestic: California, Florida (limited production)

Handling and Care

Upon Arrival

1. Immediate Processing: Remove from packaging and inspect for damage
2. Stem Cutting: Cut stems at 45-degree angle under running water
3. Hydration: Place immediately in clean, cool water with flower food
4. Temperature: Store at 34-36°F (1-2°C) in high humidity

Conditioning Process

1. Recut Stems: Cut 1-2 inches off bottom at sharp angle
2. Warm Water Treatment: Place in 100-110°F water for 30 minutes to improve uptake
3. Flower Food: Use commercial flower food or make solution with bleach and sugar
4. Clean Foliage: Remove any leaves below waterline to prevent bacteria

Storage Requirements

• Temperature: 34-36°F (1-2°C)
• Humidity: 85-95% relative humidity
• Air Circulation: Gentle air movement to prevent fungal issues
• Water Level: Keep stems in 3-4 inches of fresh water
• Duration: 5-7 days maximum in proper storage

Common Problems and Solutions

Bent Neck Syndrome

• Cause: Water stress, air bubbles in stem, bacterial blockage
• Prevention: Proper conditioning, clean water, flower food
• Treatment: Recut stem underwater, place in warm water

Premature Wilting

• Cause: Dehydration, poor water quality, high temperatures
• Solution: Recut stems, fresh water, cool environment

Petal Drop

• Cause: Ethylene exposure, overmaturity, physical damage
• Prevention: Use ethylene inhibitors, proper handling, optimal storage temperature

Bacterial Stem Rot

• Cause: Contaminated water, poor sanitation
• Prevention: Clean buckets, fresh water, antibacterial treatments

Design Applications

Focal Flowers

Gerberas excel as focal points in arrangements due to their bold colors and substantial size. Use them as the primary flower in:

• Bridal bouquets
• Centerpieces
• Sympathy arrangements
• Gift bouquets

Color Combinations

• Monochromatic: Various shades of the same color family
• Complementary: Orange with blue accents, purple with yellow
• Triadic: Red, yellow, and blue combinations
• Analogous: Adjacent colors on the color wheel

Style Considerations

• Modern: Clean lines, minimal foliage, geometric containers
• Traditional: Mixed with roses, alstroemeria, and greenery
• Tropical: Combined with birds of paradise, anthurium, and tropical foliage
• Seasonal: Paired with appropriate seasonal flowers and colors

Arrangement Techniques

Stem Preparation

• Cut stems to appropriate length for container
• Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial growth
• Score or split thick stems to improve water uptake
• Use floral tubes for short stems in large arrangements

Placement Tips

• Position larger blooms lower in arrangements for stability
• Face flowers slightly upward to showcase their beauty
• Allow adequate space between blooms to prevent overcrowding
• Use foliage to frame and support flower heads

Mechanical Support

• Use floral foam for structured arrangements
• Employ grid systems for loose, natural styles
• Consider stem length when planning arrangement height
• Secure heavy blooms with additional support if needed

Vase Life Optimization

Customer Education

• Water Temperature: Room temperature, not cold
• Daily Maintenance: Fresh water every 2-3 days
• Stem Recutting: Trim 1 inch every few days
• Flower Food: Use provided packets or make homemade solution

Professional Tips

• Aspirin Treatment: One aspirin per quart of water can extend life
• Sprite Addition: Small amount of lemon-lime soda provides sugar and acidity
• Bleach Solution: 1 teaspoon per quart prevents bacterial growth
• Cool Location: Away from direct sunlight and heat sources

Pricing and Profitability

Cost Factors

• Seasonality: Higher prices during peak demand periods
• Quality Grade: Premium varieties command higher prices
• Source Origin: Dutch flowers typically cost more than South American
• Order Volume: Bulk purchases offer better per-stem pricing

Markup Guidelines

• Standard Markup: 3-4 times wholesale cost
• Premium Varieties: 4-5 times wholesale cost
• Wedding/Event Work: 5-6 times wholesale cost
• Holiday Periods: Adjust markup based on demand

Marketing and Sales

Target Markets

• Everyday Arrangements: Grocery stores, casual bouquets
• Special Occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, congratulations
• Sympathy Work: Bright colors for celebration of life services
• Corporate Events: Bold colors for modern, professional settings

Selling Points

• Longevity: 7-10 day vase life when properly cared for
• Color Variety: Widest color range of any single flower type
• Versatility: Suitable for both formal and casual arrangements
• Symbolism: Represents cheerfulness, beauty, and innocence

Sustainability Considerations

Environmental Impact

• Local Sourcing: Reduce carbon footprint when possible
• Organic Options: Increasingly available from certified growers
• Water Usage: Efficient irrigation systems in modern greenhouses
• Packaging: Minimize plastic use, recycle cardboard boxes

Social Responsibility

• Fair Trade: Support growers with fair labor practices
• Community Impact: Choose suppliers that invest in local communities
• Certification Programs: Look for MPS, Fair Trade, or similar certifications

Seasonal Trends and Forecast

Spring/Summer

• Bright Colors: Yellow, orange, and hot pink perform well
• Pastel Demand: Soft colors for spring weddings and Easter
• Outdoor Events: Heat-tolerant varieties for summer functions

Fall/Winter

• Warm Tones: Deep reds, oranges, and burgundy colors
• Holiday Arrangements: Red and white combinations for Christmas
• Indoor Focus: Longer vase life important for winter arrangements

Troubleshooting Guide

Poor Vase Life

• Check water quality and pH levels
• Ensure proper flower food usage
• Verify storage temperature compliance
• Inspect for bacterial contamination

Color Fading

• Reduce light exposure during storage
• Check for excessive heat in display areas
• Verify proper hydration levels
• Consider variety selection for color retention

Stem Weakness

• Evaluate growing conditions from supplier
• Check for proper post-harvest handling
• Verify conditioning procedures
• Consider switching to premium varieties

Gerbera daisies remain one of the most reliable and profitable flowers in the floral industry. Their exceptional vase life, stunning color range, and versatile design applications make them essential for any florist’s inventory. Success with gerberas depends on proper sourcing, handling, and care procedures, combined with understanding their unique characteristics and customer appeal.

By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, florists can maximize both the quality and profitability of their gerbera offerings while providing customers with beautiful, long-lasting arrangements that showcase these remarkable flowers at their best.