How to Grow and Care for Aster Flowers
Perennial
Asters are an easy to grow perennial that grows well in average soils, but
needs full sun. Asters come in blues, purples and a variety of pinks. All
Asters are yellow in the center of the flower. They are daisy-like in appearance,
even though they are a member of the sunflower family.
Did you know? The yellow center of Asters is actually comprised of
many tiny flowerets.
Asters come in a wide variety, with some less than a foot tall, while others
are two feet tall or more. Both large and smaller varieties make good cut
flowers for vases and arrangements.
Propagation:
Asters are easily grown from division. Aster plants do best if divided every
two to three years. Simply dig out half to two thirds of the plants, leaving
the remainder in place. Then separate the portion you dug out into two sections
and plant in another location or give them to a friend.
Aster seeds can also be directly seeded into your flower garden, or seeded
indoors for transplanting later. We recommend planting Asters in pots and
containers indoors, then transplanting the seedlings outdoors in early spring.
This allows you to make the proper spacing.
Sow Aster seeds early in the season, and cover lightly with soil. Water
thoroughly once. They germinate easily and will grow quickly, producing their
first of a continual display of blooms by mid-summer.
Transplant Asters into your garden into an area where they can be grown for
years. Spacing depends upon size with miniature varieties spaced four to
six inches apart, and Giant varieties one to two feet apart. Place smaller
varieties around the front of your flower garden as a border. Put larger
varieties towards the back of the flowerbed.
How to Grow Asters:
Asters will grow well in average soils. But, like all plants, they will reward
your with bigger blooms and a healthier plant if you add plenty of compost.
Also, add a general purpose fertilizer once a month.
Once your Aster are established, they should grow well for years. Soil should
be moist, but not wet. They will withstand dry periods. Water them during
dry periods, once or twice per week to keep growth vibrant.
Add mulch around the plants for appearance and to keep weeds down.
Around mid to late summer, your plants will begin to produce flowers and
will continue to do so until frost. You do not need to remove dead flower
blooms, except to improve plant appearance. For giant varieties, trim back
any stalks that have become gangly in appearance.
Cuttings for Indoors:
Asters have sturdy stalks that make them good candidates for flower vases
and other arrangements. Cut the stem low, check for insects hiding in the
flower, on the stem and under the leaves. Bring them indoors and place in
water immediately.
For smaller varieties, use a small container or vase and cut stem a couple
inches long. Bunch up a variety of colors for an eye-appealing arrangement.
Add a small sprig or two of Baby's Breath.
Remember Asters, when creating container gardens for your deck or porch.
They are excellent candidates.
Insect and Disease:
Asters are somewhat resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease
problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and
fungicide.
More Information:
How
to Grow Aster Plants
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