Gerberas are a total showstopper, whether they’re brightening up your garden or sitting on your dining room table. There’s something extra special about bringing in a fresh bouquet you grew yourself, right? If you want to keep those vibrant blooms looking fresh for as long as possible, it all comes down to a few simple care hacks.
Mastering the Water Situation
When it comes to cut Gerberas, water is everything. First things first: your vase needs to be squeaky clean. Bacteria is the enemy here! Once your vase is scrubbed, fill it with just a little bit of fresh water—aim for about one to two inches (three to five centimeters) deep. Mix in some flower food to give them a little nutrient boost.
Keep Bacteria at Bay
You might be wondering why the water level should be so low. It’s actually a clever trick! The less the stem is submerged, the less surface area there is for bacteria to attack. Those fuzzy stems are prone to rot if they sit in too much water. Instead of just topping the vase off when it gets low, go ahead and swap the water out completely every day or two. Don’t forget to add a fresh pinch of flower food each time to keep those petals popping.
Give Them a Fresh Trim
To keep the water flowing up to the bloom, you’ll need to give the stems a quick trim every few days. This keeps the “pipes” open and clear. Always use a sharp, clean knife or garden shears and cut at a sharp angle. Doing this every three to four days will work wonders for their lifespan.
Timing is Everything
Whether you’re snipping them from your own backyard or picking out a bunch at the local florist, look for flowers that aren’t fully blown open yet. If the centers are still tight, they’ll finish opening up once they’re in your vase, giving you way more time to enjoy them.
To keep your Gerberas looking fabulous, just remember:
- Start with a sparkling clean vase
- Use just a couple of inches of fresh water with flower food
- Give them a fresh angled trim every three to four days
- Change the water completely on a regular basis
