You can definitely save seeds from gerbera daisies! It’s a simple and cost-effective way to expand your garden and have more beautiful flowers to enjoy. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose the right flowers: Select healthy and vibrant gerbera daisy flowers to save seeds from. Look for flowers with fully opened petals and a well-developed center.
2. Let the flowers go: Once the gerbera daisy flowers have bloomed and started to fade, leave them on the plant. Allow the petals to dry out and turn brown. This indicates that the seeds inside the flower head are maturing.
3. Harvest the seeds: Once the flower head has completely dried out, gently remove it from the plant. Hold the flower head over a clean container or a piece of paper and carefully shake or tap it to release the seeds. The seeds are small, light brown or black, and have a feathery appearance.
4. Clean the seeds: To separate the seeds from the chaff, you can lightly blow on the seeds or use a small fan to create a gentle breeze. This will help remove any remaining debris or lightweight chaff.
5. Store the seeds: Place the cleaned gerbera daisy seeds in a labeled envelope or a small, airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them. Make sure to include the date and variety of the seeds on the label for future reference.
6. Germination requirements: Gerbera daisy seeds require warm temperatures to germinate. You can sow them indoors in a seed tray or sow them directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up in spring.
7. Sowing the seeds: If starting indoors, fill a seed tray with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow the gerbera daisy seeds on the surface of the soil, gently pressing them down. Cover the tray with a clear plastic lid or place it inside a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
8. Transplanting the seedlings: Once the gerbera daisy seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the weather has warmed up, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
9. Caring for gerbera daisies: Gerbera daisies prefer regular watering, but make sure not to overwater them as they are susceptible to root rot. Provide them with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Saving gerbera daisy seeds not only allows you to propagate more plants but also gives you the opportunity to select and grow your favorite varieties. It’s a rewarding and budget-friendly way to expand your garden and enjoy the beauty of these vibrant flowers.
