Asters flower
Aster perennials are essential garden and roadside blooms that come in various colors such as white, pink, purple, red, yellow, and blue, and can thrive in US Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3-8. They can grow up to 3 to 4 feet in height with over 600 varieties and are low-maintenance, requiring only basic care like pruning for taller varieties.
Overview Asters
Scientific name Astereae
The common name Aster, Italian Aster, Aster amellus
Plant type Flower plant
Sun requires Full sunlight/part sun
Flower colors White, Blue, Red, Pink, Purple
Blooming time Summer to fall
Soil Rich loam soil
Soil pH 5.8-6.5
Zone 3-8
Propagation Asters
However, aster is easily grown by seed, but some gardeners propagate it by the dividing method to spread their plants.
How to grow Aster from seeds
- For optimal growth from seeds, it’s best to plant them indoors about 6 weeks before the final frost date, or outdoors in the garden during late spring or early summer.
- Fill the sterile potting mixture in a pot about 2 inches in diameter and begin to seed. Sterile potting mixtures act as an antidote for new germination and disease problems.
- Check the required drainage in the pot, soil moisture is required. Place a drainage tray after planting the plant, and give water until it is collected on the tray.
- Plant two seeds about 1/8 inch deep in the pot and cover it with light soil. Water the surface after planting. Cover the pot with a plastic sheet, so that the seeds retain the necessary moisture. Keep the pot indoors to maintain the moisture.
- Check the seedling pot regularly; it takes about 10 days for the seeds to germinate. When germination appears, remove the plastic sheet. Place your pot on the window where it can receive good sunlight.
- Plant the Aster thinly in different pots, and cut the weak seedlings for a stronger plant.
- Maturing Asters (about 6 inches tall) can be transplanted outside into partial shade or full sun after your frost has ended.
- Plant the plant at a depth of germination, and keep it about 18 inches apart in all directions.
By division
If you want to grow aster plants by dividing, then you should have plants in your garden, or at a friend’s place. You can get the flowers directly by taking the plants and planting them in your garden!
How to care for Asters
Soil and Location
For optimal growth, these plants thrive in well-drained, moist soil, and they particularly favor rich soil. The Aster cultivars can withstand drought and thrive in dry soil, so it’s best to plant them in a location with full or partial sun.
Watering
Aster initially requires about 1-inch water per week to be established. Once established, they can tolerate drought conditions.
Do not water the plant from above, water the surface of the plant, so that the leaves remain dry. These plants may be susceptible to powdery mildew.
Fertilizer
Enrich the soil with fertilizer, using a thin layer of compost each spring. For this average rich-rich soil is better, use a balanced fertilizer. For better results, use a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer in the soil once a month, too much nitrogen will make the plant unnecessarily tall. Apply fertilizer according to the orders directed on the label.
Pests and disease
Aster flowers don’t have any problems with pests and diseases. Some of its varieties may cause common diseases such as yellow mildew, rust, leaf spots, and stem cankers. These are difficulties with aphids, mites, slugs, and nematode pests, but treatment with the appropriate insecticide or fungicide is possible. You are better off choosing disease-resistant varieties.
Read also
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