diff --git a/public/app/plugins/panel/timeseries/config.ts b/public/app/plugins/panel/timeseries/config.ts
index d45b2ea542c..9dde12d7c04 100644
--- a/public/app/plugins/panel/timeseries/config.ts
+++ b/public/app/plugins/panel/timeseries/config.ts
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ export function getGraphFieldConfig(cfg: GraphFieldConfig): SetFieldConfigOption
         .addRadio({
           path: 'gradientMode',
           name: 'Gradient mode',
-          defaultValue: graphFieldOptions.fillGradient[0],
+          defaultValue: graphFieldOptions.fillGradient[0].value,
           settings: {
             options: graphFieldOptions.fillGradient,
           },