Hi Stan,

I'm hoping to grow some gerbera daisies from seed indoors. The instructions I've found are to press the seed into the surface of the potting mix, give them bottom heat of 70 to 75 degrees, and light.

My question is this, what is meant by "light?" Normal ambient room daylight? Bright window light? Gro-light bulb for extended hours until they sprout?

This brings up another point, I gather from what you say that some seeds need light to germinate, while others should be covered, whether by soil, or (I think I have heard) a couple sheets of newspaper. Since the growing instructions are quite vague (non-existent!) with a lot of seeds you buy, are there any general guidelines about what types of seeds need light and which need dark?

Any information you can provide would be much appreciated! I listen to your show most Sundays and learn a lot!

Thanks
Jocelyn,
Sherwood Park

Jocelyn - Most often, I hear from the people that have tried to grow the gerbera, but had much difficulty.

Your query is well timed and appropriate, as the daisy is a difficult crop for most any grower.

This plant is native to South Africa, and thrives in a zone 8 location.

Check to see if the seed pac is dated and with a germination percentage. Gerbera seed shall not stored, but sown immediately after purchase. The daisy will flower 14 to 18 weeks after seeding.

Sow in February for September flowers. If sown last November, they would flower in early May.

Sow into a sterile media of equal parts peat and sand. You can purchase good seeding mixes from the Pro/Gro mix people and or the Jiffy Mix people. [these are brand names ].

Use bottom heat to maintain a temp. of 75 F or 24 C for 15 to 25 days. Leave seed uncovered and keep moist. You will see that one end of the seed is sharper than the other; Push the pointy end into the soil-less mix, but not far enough to cover the seed. Light is necessary for germination, whether artificial or natural.

When transplanted, grow on in cooler temps of 50 to 55 degrees F during the nights. During the days, grow in good bright light with air circulation and a high air moisture content.

Feed with triple 20 twice monthly during the growing season.

These plants begin to ripen off in the fall , and they can be kept over winter in the same 6 or 8 inch pot they were transplanted into. Withhold watering and fertilizing during the dormant time, until new growth shows at the base of the stems, sometime in January or February.

I told you they are not an easy plant to grow from seed to ripening.

Lots of luck