Gerbera daisy seed is expensive and germinating it is challenging, according to J.R. Kessler Jr., assistant professor of horticulture with Auburn University. When you want to plant more gerberas and save money doing so, harvest the seed yourself from an existing plant. The key to harvesting strong, viable seed is to choose flowers from healthy plants. Then, make sure the seeds -- which are small and feature a short, feathery tuft at the top -- are ripe. They should be dry and brown. The growth time from seed to flower generally takes 16 to 18 weeks.
Step 1
Clip the gerbera daisy from the plant when it begins to fade and lose its color.
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Step 2
Set the flowerhead on a paper towel in a warm area of the house, out of drafts. The top of the refrigerator is a good location.
Step 3
Gather the seeds when the flower head is completely dry and the seeds have fallen onto the paper towel.
Step 4
Plant the seeds as soon as possible after collecting them. If you plan on storing the seed, place them in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate them. Gerbera seeds lose their viability quickly when exposed to room temperature, according to horticulturists with Auburn University, so store them as soon as possible after harvesting.
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