Once the package is open, all seeds should be sown at once because they lose their viability very quickly when exposed to room conditions. Though it is not advised, unused seed can be resealed in the package and stored in a refrigerator for a short time. Gerbera seed can be sown in open flats or in a variety of plug flat sizes. However, transplanting from open trays requires more labor and delays establishment in the new containers. The more common practice is to sow into a variety of large plug trays that have 72 to 288 cells per tray.
Some growers sow into small-celled trays and then transplant to larger trays or pots.
This allows the seedlings to be sorted by size for a more uniform crop but requires more labor. Water the sowing media before sowing, and cover the seed with a thin layer of No. 3 fine-grade vermiculite afterward. Germinate the seed, using a system that maintains relative humidity as close to 100 percent as possible. Use bottom heat to maintain 70 to 75 degrees F media temperature. Trays should receive at least 12 hours of incandescent light per day while in germination chambers.