Performance of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker F) cultivars for growth, flowering and yield characters under naturally ventilated polyhouse

An experiment was conducted during the year 2013–14 to asses the performance of gerbera varieties namely, Lanceolot, Rich, Shania, Stanza, Kento, Intezz, Daphne and Cherany. Gerbera suckers were planted on raised bed comprised with recommended nutrient mixtures and adequate watering was supplied to the plants as per need during entire investigation. Significant response in vegetative and flowering characters was observed among the cultivars. Cultivar Daphne showed maximum number of leaves (38.73), plant height (40.20 cm) and minimum number of days taken to flower bud emergence (64.27). Whereas, increased plant spread (38.57 cm) and stalk length (56.97 cm) was associated with cultivar Kento. However, highest flower diameter (11.83 cm), fresh weight (42.33 g) and vase life (14.33 days) was recorded in cultivar Stanza, while, maximum flower per plant (7.67) was obtained with cultivar Shania.