Gerbera flowers, also known as coin chrysanthemums, are a familiar sight to many. With their vibrant, captivating beauty, these blooms are a popular choice for Tet decorations, adding a touch of elegance to any home during the Lunar New Year festivities. But what is the significance of Gerbera flowers during Tet that makes them so beloved? Let’s delve into this topic in the following article!
1 What are Gerbera Flowers?
What are Gerbera Flowers?
Gerbera flowers, scientifically known as Gerbera, are also referred to as coin chrysanthemums. They belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to South Africa and Asia. Today, Gerbera flowers have been widely cultivated and can be found across the globe, with over 3,000 different varieties, including double Gerbera, dwarf Gerbera, and more.
Gerbera flowers are characterized by their large, daisy-like blooms with numerous individual petals arranged in a spiral pattern. They come in a range of vibrant colors, including yellow, orange, white, pink, and red. At first glance, you might think it’s a single flower, but it’s actually a cluster of many small, individual flowers.
Gerbera flowers are highly prized for their bright colors and adaptability, making them a popular choice for various occasions and home decor. They are often used to decorate during holidays, special events, or as a centerpiece in living rooms.
2 Structural Characteristics of Gerbera Flowers
Gerbera flowers are herbaceous plants with soft, 20-40cm tall stems that do not branch out. Their leaves are 10-15cm long, 4-7cm wide, and have a fern-like shape with a thin layer of hair on the underside.
Gerbera flowers resemble daisies in shape, with two types of petals: ray and disc florets. The ray florets are larger and arranged in a circle around the outside, while the disc florets are smaller and found in the center. When the flower blooms, the ray florets open first, followed by the disc florets. The central part is called the flower head or eye.
Structural Characteristics of Gerbera Flowers
The roots of Gerbera plants are fibrous and widespread but do not penetrate deep into the soil, thriving only in the top layer. As the plant matures, it produces fruits with hairy, small seeds inside.
Fibrous Roots of Gerbera Plants
3 Classification of Gerbera Flowers
Based on External Characteristics
Single Gerbera Flowers
Single Gerbera Flowers
Single Gerbera flowers are more delicate than other varieties, with only one layer of petals. They are often referred to as red Gerbera flowers and are used to decorate vases or Tet flower arrangements. Additionally, they are popular as bonsai plants, adorning windowsills or tabletops.
Double Gerbera Flowers
Double Gerbera Flowers
Unlike single Gerbera flowers, double Gerbera flowers have multiple layers of petals, with each layer becoming shorter towards the center. These flowers are ideal for tall Tet flower arrangements.
Dwarf Gerbera Flowers
Dwarf Gerbera Flowers
As the name suggests, dwarf Gerbera flowers are approximately 20cm tall, with thick blooms that often produce 2-3 flowers at once. They are commonly displayed as potted plants during Tet.
Tall Gerbera Flowers
Tall Gerbera Flowers
In contrast to dwarf Gerbera flowers, tall Gerbera flowers have long, broad leaves and stems reaching 30-40cm in height. They bloom one flower at a time and are a popular choice for Tet decorations in Vietnam.
Based on Flower Variety
Currently, the following Gerbera flower varieties are cultivated in our country:
Yên Hưng Variety: Originating from China, this variety features red flowers with distinctive green stamens. It is known for its robust growth and high yield.
Gerbera Flowers
Thanh Tú Giai Nhân Variety: Hailing from the Netherlands, this variety boasts pale pink flowers with four layers of petals: three outer ray floret layers and an inner disc floret layer. Unlike other Gerbera plants, its leaves are dark green and slightly curved, with stems reaching 35-40cm in height.
Thanh Tú Giai Nhân Variety
Kim Hoa Sơn Variety: Originating from China, this variety produces yellow or red flowers with black stamens. The plants have an average height and growth rate.
Kim Hoa Sơn Variety
Tropical Grassland Variety: Native to the Netherlands, this variety features short, sturdy stems and vibrant red flowers with black stamens.
Tropical Grassland Variety
4 The Significance of Gerbera Flowers During Tet
Beyond their vibrant beauty, Gerbera flowers hold deep symbolic meaning. During Tet, they represent prosperity and good fortune.
The Significance of Gerbera Flowers During Tet
Traditionally, it is believed that having a pot of Gerbera flowers in the home during Tet will bring success and prosperity to the family. Moreover, they are thought to ward off negativity and attract good luck.
Gerbera flowers also symbolize happiness. Displaying them during Tet is a way to wish for a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling new year for the family.
5 Gerbera Flowers and Feng Shui Compatibility
Red Gerbera Flowers
Red Gerbera flowers are compatible with individuals born under the Fire and Earth elements, as red, orange, pink, and purple are associated with the Fire element.
Red Gerbera Flowers
Yellow Gerbera Flowers
Yellow Gerbera flowers are suitable for those born under the Earth and Metal elements.
Yellow Gerbera Flowers
White Gerbera Flowers
White Gerbera flowers are compatible with individuals born under the Metal and Water elements.
White Gerbera Flowers
Purple Gerbera Flowers
Like red Gerbera flowers, purple Gerbera flowers are suitable for those born under the Fire and Earth elements.
Purple Gerbera Flowers
Pink Gerbera Flowers
Pink Gerbera flowers are also compatible with individuals born under the Fire and Earth elements.
Pink Gerbera Flowers
6 Growing and Caring for Gerbera Flowers
Growing Gerbera Flowers
Selecting Seeds
Gerbera flowers can be propagated through various methods, including seed sowing, stem cutting, and tissue culture. If sowing seeds, choose high-quality seeds from a reputable source. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed 40 days before transplanting, and ensure the seedlings have 4 leaves before transplanting.
For stem cutting, select healthy stems 11-15cm tall with 4-5 true leaves. Choose stems with robust growth, abundant white roots, and no signs of disease.
Soil Preparation
Gerbera flowers thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-6.2. For areas with good drainage, create raised beds 20cm high; for poor drainage, raise beds to 30-40cm. For double rows, maintain a width of 70cm or more; for triple rows, 1m or more.
Clear the land of weeds and debris, plow deeply, and incorporate lime and organic matter.
Growing Gerbera Flowers
Planting
Water the soil 2-3 days before planting to ensure moisture. Plant seedlings in the morning or late afternoon, maintaining a density of 7-8 plants per square meter in a zigzag pattern. Ensure the root collar is 1-1.5cm above the soil surface and firm the soil around the base.
Water the plants thoroughly after planting and use stakes to keep them upright.
Caring for Gerbera Flowers
- Mulching: Apply a thin layer of rice husks or compost to retain soil moisture.
- Watering: Water lightly 2-3 times daily, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon. Use drip irrigation for best results, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Pruning: Remove old, diseased leaves after 3-4 months to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Fertilization: Apply organic matter, lime, and bio-fertilizers as base fertilizer. Use urea, superphosphate, and potassium as top dressing. Water after fertilizing and avoid applying fertilizer near the base or during hot midday sun.
Caring for Gerbera Flowers
7 Distinguishing Single and Double Gerbera Flowers
The key difference lies in the petal arrangement:
- Single Gerbera flowers have one layer of petals and fewer flowers.
- Double Gerbera flowers have multiple layers of petals, with each layer becoming shorter towards the center.
Distinguishing Single and Double Gerbera Flowers
8 Purchasing Gerbera Flowers
Gerbera flowers are widely available at nurseries and flower shops, offering a range of colors at affordable prices. Prices typically start at 80,000 VND per pot.
Purchasing Gerbera Flowers
Each flower carries its own unique beauty and meaning, and Gerbera flowers are no exception. Their popularity during Tet stems from the desire to share good wishes and blessings. At our store, we offer a variety of fresh fruits suitable for Tet fruit displays. Visit our nearest location or shop online today!
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