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
- Immediate Processing: Remove from packaging and inspect for damage
- Stem Cutting: Cut stems at 45-degree angle under running water
- Hydration: Place immediately in clean, cool water with flower food
- Temperature: Store at 34-36°F (1-2°C) in high humidity
Conditioning Process
- Recut Stems: Cut 1-2 inches off bottom at sharp angle
- Warm Water Treatment: Place in 100-110°F water for 30 minutes to improve uptake
- Flower Food: Use commercial flower food or make solution with bleach and sugar
- 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
- 现代: 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
- 长寿: 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.