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Asters … This unpretentious and very popular flower is always associated with September 1, when thousands of smart schoolchildren with bouquets go to the line dedicated to Knowledge Day. Almost every flower bed is decorated with these bright, and at the same time unpretentious flowers. Why are asters so fond of flower growers? What rules of planting and care must be observed? Is it possible to plant asters in the ground with seeds? These and many other questions will be covered in this article.
Brief description of the plant
Translated from the Latin “Astra” means “star”. This sounding name is given to herbaceous plants that belong to the Aster family (Asteraceae). This group includes both annual and perennial flowers. China is the birthplace of flowers.
Asters are unpretentious, not picky about the composition of the soil (the exception is varietal flowers), they calmly tolerate small drops in temperature. Even a novice florist will be able to plant aster seeds in open ground in spring or autumn.
A popular type of annual flowers is known as Chinese or garden aster. A brief description of the colors is as follows:
- Stems: erect, simple, bushy and bright green. Some varieties have dark red stems.
- Leaves: green, petiolate, toothed, oval.
- Root system: fibrous, powerful, strong, with a large number of lateral roots. Astra easily tolerates minor damage to the roots during a dive or transplant.
- Flowers: simple, inflorescences in the form of baskets.
- Fruit: seed.
The timing of flowering flowers depends on the variety, as well as the time of planting. The formation of the first buds can be seen already 80-110 days after sowing the seeds of asters.
The height of the flowers depends on the variety and varies from 20 cm to 90 cm. The flower basket in some varieties of asters reaches 12-15 cm in diameter. The flowers are distinguished by a rich palette of colors – from white, light blue and light pink, to rich purple, lilac, dark red, blue tones. The shape of flowers and petals differ depending on the variety.
Asters seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. But often many flower growers note that even in two-year-old seeds, the germination percentage is almost halved. Therefore, it is better to choose flower seeds in strictly specialized stores and carefully look at the expiration date.
In the photo you can see what aster seeds look like. Outwardly, they are somewhat reminiscent of very small sunflower seeds, only they have a color from light brown to dark brown, depending on the variety. However, during the collection period, the seeds are more likely to resemble the well-known dandelion seeds, as they have fluff at one end.
Asters are photophilous plants. You can grow them not only in flower beds and flower beds, but also on loggias and balconies, in flowerpots and containers.
Classification
At the moment, more than four thousand varieties of asters are known. Some of them are very similar to chrysanthemums, peonies, daisies, and other flowers. Over the years, many attempts have been made by breeders to introduce a strict classification of the flowers of the Astrov family, but to this day there is no exact systematization.
According to the height of plants, they are divided into tall, medium and short. According to the flowering period – for summer-flowering and autumn-flowering. According to the size of flower baskets – large-flowered and small-flowered.
The most complete picture of asters can be given by systematization by type of inflorescence. In addition to the popular simple ones, there are the following types of flowers:
- coronary;
- rectiflora, curly;
- hemispherical;
- pompoms;
- radiation;
- semi-double, terry, non-double;
- spherical;
- tiled.
Some varieties and varieties of flowers
The inimitable beauty of flowers, the variety of colors, the variety of forms of flower baskets is the true reason for such a love of flower growers for asters. It is simply impossible to talk about all the varieties and varieties of flowers in one article. Below in the photo you can see some of the brightest representatives of the Astrov family.
Big chrysanthemum blue
Royal apple blossom
Giant beams, mix
Pompom, Blue Moon (available in multiple colors)
peach bouquet
Needle-shaped, pink-cream Naina
Needle Claw Jewel Amethyst
Astra New Belgian White
Blueberry donut
Blueberry donut
And what are such magnificent varieties like “Pampushka, Strawberry with Cream”, a series of varieties of different colors ” Size”, a series of “Dragon Select”, “Grey-haired Lady”, “Black Diamond”, “Merlin” and many others! These inimitable flowers will turn your flower garden into a Garden of Eden.
Growing methods
Garden asters are grown in two ways – seedling and seedless. With the help of seedlings, flowers are grown mainly in regions with a harsh climate, when plants have to be transplanted into open ground in late May – early June.
Asters are also grown by seedlings, wanting to ensure longer flowering. Flower seedlings are transplanted into open ground at regular intervals, 7-10 days, and then the plants will bloom for a long time, replacing each other.
You can immediately sow asters in open ground with seeds in the southern and central regions, where the climate is much milder. In this case, flowering will come a week and a half earlier than when grown in seedlings.
Seedbed method
For seedlings, aster seeds are planted in early to mid-April. When determining the optimal planting time, you need to focus on the flowering period and the approximate date of transplanting seedlings into open ground. A more accurate time will tell you the instructions for each variety.
The rules for planting aster seeds for seedlings practically do not differ from traditional events and are familiar to every grower:
- in containers with holes, lay the drainage layer and soil for 3/4 of the total volume;
- spread flower seeds on the surface at a distance of 1,5-2 cm;
- the top layer of soil or sand should not exceed 0,6-0,8 cm;
- moisten the plantings and cover with a film, put in a warm place until the first shoots appear.
Ventilate pots with flower seedlings regularly and moisten as needed. When shoots appear, remove the film and rearrange the containers on a bright windowsill.
It is necessary to dive seedlings of asters in the phase of 2-3 true leaves. You can transplant flowers in open ground in mid-late May. The minimum distance between seedlings depends on the variety, on average from 20 cm to 50 cm.
If there is a threat of frost, cover future flower beds with foil or lutrasil.
Seedless growing method
In a seedless way, aster seeds are planted in open ground both in spring and autumn. Moreover, when growing flowers with this method, plants have a higher resistance to low temperatures and many diseases. The reason for the increased resistance is the natural stratification of seeds.
Before sowing asters in open ground with seeds, you need to take care of the selection and preparation of the site in advance. All varieties and types of flowers of the Astrov family are very fond of bright, sunny places blown by a light wind. Do not plant asters in drafts and in areas where piercing winds blow.
The soil for growing asters should be light, loose, fertile. If necessary, before planting flowers, you can add wood ash, sand, compost or humus.
Podzimniy sowing
Pre-winter sowing of asters seeds in open ground is carried out in late autumn so that they do not have time to germinate. With a similar method of planting, flowers grow more resistant to temperature changes. However, not all varieties of asters can be sown outdoors in late autumn. So before landing, pay attention to the recommendations indicated on the package.
In late September – early October, the site intended for sowing asters in open ground must be carefully dug up. You can start planting flowers no earlier than November 10th. In the southern regions, aster seeds are sown after November 20. A sign of the optimal time for sowing is the first frost.
On the prepared site, make grooves 2-3 cm deep. Aster seeds are laid out in 2-3 cm increments. Plantings should be mulched with peat, humus or peat compost. Flowers do not need too thick a layer of mulch, 3-4 cm will be enough. It is not necessary to soak the aster seeds before planting, germinate the seeds and water the beds after sowing, otherwise all the seed material will die.
With the onset of spring, you will only need to loosen the soil and plant asters in accordance with the recommended scheme.
spring sowing
If you decide to sow aster seeds in open ground in the spring, it is advisable to prepare the site for the future flower bed in the fall. Apply top dressing in the form of compost or humus and dig the area to the depth of a shovel bayonet.
In the spring, 2-3 weeks before planting flowers, superphosphates, ammonium sulphate and potassium salt are added to the soil per 1 m² – 30 g, 15 g, 20 g. Re-dig the area and leave for a while to shrink the soil.
It is possible to sow aster seeds in open ground already in late April – early May, when the air warms up to + 10˚С + 12˚С. These terms are relevant for residents of the central regions. In areas where spring comes a little later, the sowing time is shifted by 2 weeks. That is, you can start planting flowers in early – mid-May.
Immediately before sowing asters in open ground, you need to moisten and remove all weeds. Next, you have to act as follows:
- make even, neat grooves 2-3 cm deep at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other;
- lay out flower seeds every 2-2,5 cm;
- sprinkle the seeds of asters with a thin layer of dry earth 1-2 cm thick;
- after a couple of days, irrigate the flower beds with warm water from a watering can with a fine sieve;
- after 1,5-2 weeks, you can feed the flowers with nitrogen-based fertilizers for the first time.
It is advisable to cover the ridges with a film or lutrasil until the first green shoots appear. This usually happens 10-12 days after sowing. Especially plantings need shelter if there is a threat of frost.
After the seedlings grow a little, and 2-3 pairs of leaves appear on them, the seedlings need to be thinned out. The optimal distance between flowers is 15-20 cm.
But do not rush to throw away those seedlings of flowers that have to be removed. Thin out the beds with a small spatula or spoon. We carefully dig out the extra sprouts and plant the asters in open ground elsewhere. Flowers relatively calmly tolerate transplantation, practically do not get sick and are quickly accepted.
Flower care
Further care for the sown asters consists in performing the usual activities, such as watering, weeding, loosening, hilling and top dressing.
Asters need to be watered as needed. They are equally critical to both dry and waterlogged soil. During drought, the flowers stop growing, the foliage turns pale, and the inflorescences lose their color brightness. Waterlogging can cause the emergence and spread of various fungal diseases.
Loosening flower beds should be carried out the next day after watering or after rain. This procedure improves air exchange, and asters grow much faster. However, remember that you should not loosen the soil too deeply – you can damage the root system. A depth of 6-8 cm will be enough.
As soon as the first signs of branching of the main stem appear, asters should be spudded to a height of 7-8 cm. This event accelerates the growth of roots and contributes to the active growth and development of green mass.
Asters are fed in the open field three times during the season. Primary top dressing is carried out 1,5-2 weeks after germination with nitrogen fertilizers.
Secondary fertilization of flowers is necessary when the first buds begin to form on the plants. This time, feed the plantings with mineral supplements based on superphosphate and potassium. Feed the asters with the same complex fertilizer with the beginning of flowering.
What problems can arise when growing flowers
Despite the fact that asters are considered unpretentious and undemanding flowers, flower growers sometimes face some problems when growing them:
- Aster seeds do not germinate within 1,5-2 weeks. The first shoots should appear in 7-10 days. To the questions why asters do not rise, and what to do in this case, the answers are very simple. The first reason may be the non-compliance with the rules for planting flowers, in particular, regarding the quality of the soil. The second is poor-quality planting material. In both cases, re-sow aster seeds, following all recommendations.
- Asters can get fusarium. Most often, the source of the disease are the precursors of flowers. You can not sow asters in open ground after nightshade, gladioli, carnations, tulips. They leave pathogens in the soil.
- An incomplete inflorescence is a kind of signal about an attack on asters by a spider mite.
- Poor, dim flowering signals a lack of nutrients in the soil. Feed the flowers and this problem will disappear.
In general, by following the recommendations regarding planting asters with seeds in open ground and caring for flowers, some complications can be avoided.
Diseases and pests
Outdoor grown asters are susceptible to the following fungal diseases:
- gray rot;
- fusariosis;
- blackleg;
- verticellaz.
The causes of diseases are non-compliance with the recommended planting pattern, excess moisture in the soil, violation of the rules for planting and caring for asters.
To avoid damage to flowers, you need to follow the recommendations of experienced flower growers regarding the planting scheme and crop rotation, as well as carry out preventive treatments in a timely manner.
Occasionally, flowers can also be affected by viral diseases – jaundice or cucumber mosaic. These diseases are dangerous because they are the main cause of aphids.
Aphids most often attack young flowers. The most vulnerable seedlings in the phase of 2-4 true leaves. The first sign of the appearance of insects is the deformation and wrinkling of the leaves. Therefore, asters for prevention should be treated with Intavir, Karbofos or Depis.
But besides aphids, asters are often attacked by other pests:
- spider mite;
- meadow bug;
- tobacco thrips;
- sunflower fire.
At the first sign of the appearance of pests on flowers, you should immediately begin an active fight with the help of insecticides.
An experienced florist will tell and show you how to sow asters with seeds in open ground
Conclusion
Most flower growers grow asters out of habit in seedlings. But it is much easier to sow aster seeds in open ground. With a seedless planting method, you can avoid the hassle of growing flower seedlings, picking them up and transplanting them to a flower bed, and save space on the windowsill. After all, it is at the beginning of spring that every centimeter of the area is occupied by seedlings of vegetable crops. With minimal effort, by autumn your flower beds will be decorated with colorful, inimitable flowers.