If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to fill your garden with Gerberas, starting them from seed is definitely the way to go. While you *can* harvest your own seeds, it’s honestly a bit of a headache and the success rate isn’t great. Since seeds are pretty inexpensive to buy, I usually recommend picking up a fresh packet to save yourself the trouble.
Here’s everything you need to know to get those vibrant blooms started!
Finding the Perfect Spot
The secret to success starts with picking the right location in your yard. Gerberas are a bit like us—they love the light, but they can’t handle the intense heat of the midday sun. You’ll want to find a spot that gets plenty of sunshine in the morning and late afternoon but offers a little shade when the sun is at its peak.
Also, keep an eye on your soil. These plants are heavy feeders because they work so hard to produce those gorgeous flowers. Make sure the soil is nice and loose (well-draining) and packed with nutrients so they have the energy they need to keep blooming.
Time to Plant
Once you’ve found that perfect sunny-but-not-too-sunny spot, loosen up the dirt and mix in some fresh compost to give it a boost. When you’re ready to sow, keep these tips in mind:
- Always use fresh seeds (old ones lose their “oomph” quickly).
- Keep the seeds moist—don’t let them dry out during the germination phase.
- Aim to plant either in September or February.
One quick heads-up: be patient! Gerberas need consistent warmth to sprout, so don’t worry if they take a little while to show their faces.
A Note on Harvesting Your Own Seeds
Technically, you can harvest seeds from your own plants to use the following year, but there’s a catch. To get seeds, you have to let the faded flowers stay on the plant until they turn into little “dandelion-like” puffballs.
The problem? Most gardeners prefer to deadhead (remove) old blooms to encourage the plant to grow new ones. If you’re waiting for seeds, you’ll end up with far fewer flowers throughout the season. Plus, home-grown seeds are much finickier than the ones you buy at the store. In my opinion, it’s usually better to just buy a fresh pack and enjoy a garden full of blooms all summer long!
