Gerbera is a perennial flower. Although it is a foreign flower, it is in wide demand in Bangladesh and is among the top 10 flowers. It also stays fresh in a vase for a long time. Here are the basics of growing it.
About the flower
Gerbera is an important commercial flower of the Asteraceae family. It is named after the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. It is a notable cut flower in the international flower market.
It looks like a sunflower, and its leaves resemble spinach leaves. There are 30 kinds of gerbera in the world, including attractive red, yellow, orange, white, pink and purple flowers.
Capital and soil
Growing gerbera needs initial capital of up to Tk 15-20 lakh.
Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy loam soil is best for gerbera, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Gerbera land needs plenty of organic matter, so measured amounts of cow dung, leaf compost, cocodust and similar materials should be applied.
Preparation
The land has to be prepared before planting, and slightly raised land is best. Plants must be cleaned, watered and fertilised regularly. A plant lives for 5-6 years.
Market and profit
Demand for the flower is growing at weddings, gaye holud ceremonies, Pohela Boishakh and any other big occasion. There is strong demand for gerbera in the country's flower market.
A plant gives about 60 to 70 flowers, each selling for Tk 30 to Tk 50. It is possible to earn about Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000 a month.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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