New Gerbera Captiva

Fifteen Dutch flowers exporters chose ‘Captiva’ as the winner in the ‘large flowered’ category from a selection of some eighty Gerbera varieties. This is entirely understandable in view of the flower’s vivid yellow colour and refreshing looks. The uniform diameter of the flowers also creates a balanced picture. The product is easy to work with thanks to its sturdy stems and is ideal for a wide range of bouquets and arrangements. The general consensus was that this was a valuable addition to the current assortment it is also noted for its good vase life of up to a good two weeks after harvesting.

Family
Gerbera is a member of the Asteraceae family. The first Gerberas came to the United Kingdom from South Africa in 1887 and were cultivated there. Later breeding moved to the French Riviera. After 1950 the Netherlands led the way. The parents of today’s Gerbera were natives of South Africa, e.g. the Transvaal and Cape Province. Gerbera production exploded after 1975. This was due to the use of tissue culture propagation, good cross breeding and efficient pest control. Gerbera is available all year round with a peak in spring. In recent years a great deal of work, including the use of extra lighting, has gone into improving the quality of Gerberas. The benefits include a longer vase life, longer stems, larger flower diameters and more intense colours.

Varieties
The Gerbera assortment is very extensive, both in terms of depth and width. The development of varieties with a good vase life has promoted the flower’s popularity among consumers. Previously the assortment was subdivided by flower type: single flowered, double flowered and black centred types. Currently the assortment is subdivided into large and small flowered types (mini Gerberas or Germinis). If the diameter at the narrowest point is less than 9.5 cm the flower will be assigned to the mini Gerberas.

• Always use clean vases and fresh water.
• If the vase holds only Gerberas a little bleach can be added to the water (3 drops per litre of water). If they are part of a mixed bouquet it is better to use cut flower food.
• Gerberas always grow upwards. Remember this when using in a vase or arrangement.
• Gerberas only need a shallow layer of water. If the water level is too high the water can creep up the stem and cause the stem to die off at the edge of the vase.
• Add a couple of drops of bleach every two days when replacing the water in the vase.
• If the Gerberas have started to droop, take them from the vase, slant cut a piece off the stems (these must be white and not brown inside) and replace them in the vase. They can now absorb water once more and will straighten up again.
• Always use a sharp knife to cut the stems of Gerbera rather than secateurs. Gerbera has a fairly soft stem. The walls of the vascular bundles are also quite soft and are easily damaged if the stem is cut with secateurs.
• Never stand Gerberas above a radiator or in direct sunlight. Also remember to avoid draughts.
• Gerbera is sensitive to ethylene. This is released by ripening fruit and found in exhaust gases.


Top 15 Gerberas, large flowered
1. 'Optima'
2. 'Red Explosion'
3. 'Serena'
4. Classic Fabio Orange
5. 'Ruby Red'
6. Dino
7. 'Bellezza'
8. 'Heatwave'
9. Pink Fantasy
10. 'Candela'
11. 'Ecco'
12. Classic Fabio
13. Classic Fabio Gold'
14. 'Mexx'
15. 'Pinky Eye

Explanation of the name
A certain Mr. Jameson discovered the subtropical plant in Transvaal. Actually a Gerbera variety had already been discovered in 1737 by Gronovius, a botanist in Leiden who named the plant after his colleague Gerber who came from Jutland (Denmark).

Most popular colours
The flower comes in every conceivable colour. Nowadays even some dyed varieties are available. Flamed and blue Gerberas are particularly popular in England and France. These are also expected to become popular in some Southern European countries.