The cultivation of gerbera is gaining popularity among the farmers of Narayanganj. A large number of farmers are considering it profitable and have started cultivating gerbera commercially.
Gerbera which is also commonly known as Transvaal daisy, Bar berton daisy or African daisy is a cut flower crop. These flowers are widely used for making bouquets and decoration purposes as they last for long period of time without losing freshness. Gerbera plant begins flowering three months after plantation, and continues to produce flowers for the next three years.
Gerbera cultivation can be done under wide range of climatic conditions. It thrives best in locations that receive full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Nakul, a farmer of Digholodi has been cultivating gerbera on 70 percent of his land for the last five years. Many people are finding the cultivation of gerbera more profitable than other crops. This flower is being cultivated largely in Digholodi, Sabdi, Madhabpasha and Kalagachia unions of Bandar Upazila in Narayanganj. Farmers in this area are also cultivating other flowers as they are getting good yields and prices in farming different types of flowers and seedlings. Apart from Narayanganj, different flowers are being cultivated commercially in Savar, Gazipur, Jashore, Narsingdi, Satkhira and Cumilla.
Gerberas have a wide range of colours, from deepest red to warm yellows, creams, whites and shades of peach. They are also known to have the ability to remove toxins from the air. They have a reputation for promoting sound sleep.
