Ultimate Guide to Gerbera Varieties for Florists
Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are among the most popular cut flowers in the floral industry, ranking fifth globally in commercial flower production. Their vibrant colors, excellent vase life, and symbolic meaning of happiness and cheerfulness make them essential for any florist's inventory. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about gerbera varieties, selection, care, and commercial applications.
Classification and Flower Forms
Standard Classification by Flower Head Size
Large-Flowered Gerberas (Standard)
Flower diameter: 10-12 cm (4-5 inches)
Most common in commercial trade
Ideal for focal flowers in arrangements
Best for bridal bouquets and statement pieces
Medium-Flowered Gerberas (Midi)
Flower diameter: 6-9 cm (2.5-3.5 inches)
Excellent for mixed bouquets
More delicate appearance
Popular for everyday arrangements
Mini Gerberas (Germini)
Flower diameter: 4-6 cm (1.5-2.5 inches)
Multiple blooms per stem
Perfect for corsages and boutonnieres
Longer vase life than standard varieties
Increasingly popular for wedding work
Flower Form Classifications
Single-Flowered
Classic daisy appearance
Clean, simple center
Most versatile for arrangements
Traditional favorite
Semi-Double
Slightly fuller center
More textural interest
Maintains clean lines
Good transition between single and double
Double-Flowered
Full, layered petals
More dramatic appearance
Higher perceived value
Excellent for premium arrangements
Spider/Quill Types
Narrow, tubular petals
Unique texture and movement
Specialty variety for high-end work
Limited availability but high impact
Color Categories and Popular Varieties
Red Varieties
Standard Reds:
'Red Velvet' - Deep crimson, excellent vase life
'Ferrari' - Bright red with dark center
'Royal Red' - Classic red with good stem strength
Applications: Valentine's Day, Christmas, passion-themed arrangements
Pink Varieties
Light Pinks:
'Sweet Caroline' - Soft baby pink
'Pink Elegance' - Pale pink with cream center
'Rosita' - Blush pink mini variety
Hot Pinks:
'Fuchsia' - Vibrant magenta-pink
'Pink Panther' - Deep rose pink
'Delphi' - Hot pink with excellent longevity
Applications: Weddings, Mother's Day, romantic arrangements, spring designs
Yellow Varieties
Bright Yellows:
'Golden Serena' - Classic bright yellow
'Sunny Side Up' - Cheerful golden yellow
'Tara' - Large-headed yellow standard
Pale Yellows:
'Lemon Drop' - Soft pale yellow
'Cream Dream' - Almost white-yellow
'Buttercup' - Light yellow mini
Applications: Sunny arrangements, get-well bouquets, spring designs, sympathy work
Orange Varieties
'Orange Sunset' - Vibrant orange standard
'Tangerine Dream' - Deep orange-red
'Apricot Beauty' - Soft peach-orange
'Mandarin' - Bright orange mini
Applications: Autumn arrangements, harvest themes, energetic designs
White Varieties
'White Heaven' - Pure white standard
'Snow Queen' - Large white with strong stems
'Polar Star' - Mini white variety
'Arctic White' - Double white form
Applications: Weddings, sympathy work, clean modern designs, mixed color palettes
Purple and Lavender
'Purple Majesty' - Deep purple standard
'Lavender Dreams' - Soft purple-pink
'Royal Purple' - Rich violet shade
'Lilac Mist' - Pale lavender mini
Applications: Spring arrangements, unique color palettes, specialty orders
Specialty and Bi-Colors
Bi-Color Varieties:
'Sunrise' - Yellow center fading to pink tips
'Sunset Boulevard' - Orange center with red edges
'Rainbow Mix' - Various bi-color combinations
Dark Center Varieties:
Most gerberas have contrasting dark centers
Creates visual depth and interest
Popular for modern designs
Seasonal Availability and Peak Times
Year-Round Availability
Most gerbera varieties are available year-round due to greenhouse production, but quality and price fluctuate seasonally.
Peak Seasons by Variety
Spring (March-May):
Pastels perform best
Pink and yellow varieties peak
Highest quality mini gerberas
Summer (June-August):
Bright colors dominate
Best time for orange and red varieties
Outdoor-grown options available
Fall (September-November):
Warm tones peak
Orange and burgundy varieties
Good stem strength
Winter (December-February):
Limited outdoor production
Higher greenhouse costs
White varieties most reliable
Commercial Grading and Selection
Grade Classifications
Premium/Extra (Grade 1):
Flower diameter: 10-12 cm for standards
Stem length: 50-60 cm
Straight, strong stems
Perfect flower form
No damage or deformities
Standard (Grade 2):
Flower diameter: 8-10 cm for standards
Stem length: 40-50 cm
Minor imperfections acceptable
Good for most commercial uses
Economy (Grade 3):
Smaller flower heads
Shorter stems
Minor damage acceptable
Budget-friendly option
Selection Criteria for Florists
Flower Head Inspection:
Petals should be firm and full
No brown edges or wilting
Center should be fresh and intact
Check for pest damage
Stem Quality:
Straight, strong stems
No bends or breaks
Cut ends should be fresh
No soft or mushy areas
Foliage Assessment:
Leaves should be green and turgid
No yellowing or black spots
Remove damaged leaves immediately
Care and Conditioning for Maximum Vase Life
Initial Processing
Immediate Care Upon Arrival:
Unpack immediately upon delivery
Check for damage and grade
Re-cut stems under running water at 45-degree angle
Remove foliage below waterline
Place in clean buckets with flower food
Conditioning Protocol:
Water temperature: Cool (35-40°F/2-4°C)
pH: 3.5-4.5 for optimal uptake
Use commercial flower food with anti-bacterial agents
Allow 2-4 hours for proper hydration
Storage Requirements
Cooler Conditions:
Temperature: 33-35°F (0.5-2°C)
Humidity: 85-95%
Good air circulation essential
Avoid direct contact with cooling units
Storage Duration:
Maximum 3-5 days in proper conditions
Use oldest stock first
Monitor daily for quality decline
Vase Life Extension
Customer Education:
Provide flower food packets
Instruct on proper stem cutting
Recommend cool location
Daily water changes for maximum life
Expected Vase Life:
Standard varieties: 7-10 days
Mini varieties: 10-14 days
Proper care can extend to 2 weeks
Design Applications and Techniques
Focal Flowers
Gerberas excel as focal points due to their bold, symmetrical form and vibrant colors. Use larger varieties as primary focal elements in arrangements.
Mixed Arrangements
Pair with complementary flowers like roses, alstroemeria, or chrysanthemums
Use varying sizes for texture and interest
Consider color theory for harmonious combinations
Seasonal Design Trends
Spring Designs:
Pastel color palettes
Mixed with tulips and daffodils
Light, airy arrangements
Summer Celebrations:
Bright, bold colors
Casual, garden-style arrangements
Pool party and outdoor event designs
Fall Themes:
Warm oranges and reds
Harvest and thanksgiving designs
Mixed with autumn foliage
Winter Elegance:
White and deep red varieties
Holiday arrangements
Elegant, sophisticated designs
Wedding Applications
Bridal Bouquets:
Standard whites and blush pinks
Provide structure and focal interest
Excellent stem strength for bouquet construction
Centerpieces:
Cost-effective focal flowers
Available in wedding color palettes
Good proportion for table arrangements
Boutonnieres:
Mini varieties perfect for men's wear
Simple, clean lines
Complement various suit colors
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bent Neck Syndrome
Causes:
Dehydration during transport
Air bubbles in stem
Bacterial blockage
Solutions:
Re-cut stems under water
Use warm water for initial conditioning
Anti-bacterial flower food essential
Premature Petal Drop
Causes:
Ethylene exposure
Overmaturity at harvest
Temperature fluctuations
Prevention:
Avoid ethylene sources (fruits, exhaust)
Proper temperature control
Fresh flower food regularly
Leaf Yellowing
Causes:
Natural aging process
Bacterial infection
Poor water quality
Management:
Remove affected foliage immediately
Use clean, treated water
Monitor for spread to other stems
Pricing and Profit Margins
Market Pricing Factors
Seasonal availability affects cost
Grade quality impacts pricing
Color availability varies regionally
Holiday demand creates price spikes
Profit Maximization Strategies
Buy in appropriate grades for intended use
Rotate stock efficiently
Educate customers on care for repeat business
Offer variety in sizes and colors
Cost-Effective Sourcing
Establish relationships with reliable suppliers
Consider local greenhouse producers
Plan orders based on seasonal pricing
Balance quality with profit margins
Environmental Considerations and Sustainability
Sustainable Sourcing
Source from certified sustainable farms when possible
Consider local greenhouse production
Support farms with environmental certifications
Waste Reduction
Proper conditioning extends vase life
Compost organic waste appropriately
Reuse packaging materials when possible
Customer Education
Teach proper care to extend flower life
Promote appreciation for cut flower longevity
Encourage responsible disposal
Marketing and Sales Tips
Customer Education
Create care instruction cards
Demonstrate proper conditioning techniques
Explain variety differences and benefits
Upselling Opportunities
Offer premium grades for special occasions
Suggest complementary flower varieties
Package with appropriate accessories
Seasonal Promotions
Feature appropriate colors for holidays
Create themed arrangements
Offer variety packs for customers to experiment
Gerberas remain a cornerstone of the cut flower industry due to their versatility, longevity, and customer appeal. Understanding the various types, proper care techniques, and effective marketing strategies will help florists maximize both customer satisfaction and profitability. Regular evaluation of suppliers, staying current with new varieties, and maintaining high standards in conditioning and storage will ensure success with these beautiful flowers.
The key to success with gerberas lies in understanding their specific needs, maintaining quality standards, and educating customers on proper care. With this knowledge, florists can confidently incorporate gerberas into their regular inventory and create stunning arrangements that delight customers and drive business growth.
