Asters planting and care in the open field
Content:
- Aster - what kind of garden flower is it, what family does it belong to?
- Growing from seeds
- Planting in a seedless way
- How to organize correct sowing in spring and before winter
- How asters breed
- Features of plant care in the open field:
- When and how it blooms
- Transplant after purchase and during reproduction
- Possible growing problems
Wanting to grow beautiful and varied flowers in the country, gardeners buy many different seeds. However, asters deserve special attention among them, planting and leaving in the open field with them will not be a particular hassle.
Aster - what kind of garden flower is it, what family does it belong to?
Aster is a beautiful decorative garden flower. This herbaceous plant comes from the Astrov family. They are both perennials and annuals. In the wild, you can meet him in the steppes, forests, or even in the mountains.
The culture got its name from the Latin word "aster", which means a star.
Astra: description
Brief description, history of origin or selection
Aster is a flower with dense, vibrant greenery. The top of the juicy and resilient stem is decorated with a bright inflorescence. In nature, they are white, blue, pink, crimson and purple. The size of the inflorescence varies from 4 cm to 12 cm in diameter. The stem height ranges from 30 cm to 2 m, depending on the variety.
The second name of this flower is callistephus, which means "beautiful wreath" in Latin. Aster seeds were secretly brought to European countries by the French monk Nicolas Incarville. In 1753, the botanist Karl Linnaeus identified him in the Aster family, and since then breeding has begun. Since that time, about 1500 subspecies have been bred, but, unfortunately, not all have survived. Today botanists know just over 600 subspecies.
Growing from seeds
The main way of breeding asters is growing from seeds. Most often they are planted in greenhouses or in open ground at the very beginning of spring, much less often flower growers plant them before the beginning of the winter season. However, if the gardener wants asters to please the eye from the very beginning of the season, then growing this plant with seedlings at home is practiced.
Aster seeds
Planting capacity and soil
Aster seedlings grow well in a common container. As a filling, a soil mixture is prepared from the following components:
- peat;
- humus;
- turf.
They are mixed in a ratio of 1: 1: 3.
You can also purchase a ready-made mixture at a flower shop for flowering plants or specifically for asteras.
Some experienced gardeners use special tablets for growing. In this case, there are 1-2 seeds for each peat tablet, and in the future, a pick will not be needed.
Choosing the right time for sowing
It is recommended to follow the advice from the gardener's lunar calendar to understand when to plant asters for seedlings. Full moon and new moon are days on which it is recommended to avoid any work related to the garden and seedlings.Dates change from year to year, so it is recommended to purchase such a calendar in advance or track information on the Internet.
Seed preparation and sowing
Before planting asters, it is recommended to treat the seeds with a preparation that prevents the development of root rot.
When the fungicide treatment is completed, the seeds are deepened into the soil by no more than 1 cm. The seeds are sprinkled on top with soil, and watering is carried out for the first time from a spray bottle.
When you follow the recommendations on how to grow asters, the first shoots are visible after 1 week.
Sowing
Timing
Sowing asters for seedlings at home is carried out from the first days of February to mid-March. It is recommended to start growing autumn flowers of asters from seeds in the greenhouse from the beginning of April. The seeds are deepened into the soil and covered with snow on top.
How to care for seedlings
Caring for asters is simple, but there are several rules to guarantee good seedlings and a lush summer flower bed:
- until the seeds germinate and the first 2-3 weeks, watering is carried out from a spray bottle;
- water stagnation in the pot should not be allowed;
- the temperature of the irrigation water should not be lower than 18 degrees;
- it is recommended to make a monthly root top dressing with urea. The solution is prepared at the rate of 1 tsp. urea per 1 liter of water;
- aster daylight hours lasts about 12-14 hours. If there is not enough light in the room, it is recommended to install the seedling tray closer to the lamps.
Seedlings
Site selection and soil preparation
In order for the seedlings to adapt in the future to open ground as soon as possible, it is recommended to add part of the garden land to the soil mixture.
Preparation of the site and soil in the garden area begins in the fall. Astra does not tolerate drafts, loves sunny areas, but still grows well in a shaded place. It is better to place the flower garden in the corner. This will protect the aster from the cold wind.
Before planting asters in open ground, the selected area is treated with a solution of ammonium sulfate, fed with superphosphate and additional potassium is added. Sand is poured on the bottom of the prepared flower bed or a small layer of pebbles is laid. This will prevent stagnant water during irrigation.
Landing in open ground
The appearance of 5-7 leaves on the sprout indicates readiness for planting asters in open ground. The recommended air temperature is 18-20 degrees. Thus, the landing is carried out approximately from the beginning of May to the beginning of June.
It is necessary to monitor the weather. A young plant is afraid of frost. In the early days, it is recommended to cover the flowers with cut plastic bottles or create a mini greenhouse for adaptation.
Open ground transplant
Planting in a seedless way
This method of growing asters involves fewer steps on the part of the grower. There are 2 options for choosing how to plant asters:
- sowing in spring - in April-May;
- sowing before winter.
In the first case, the first shoots will please 1-2 weeks earlier. However, in the second method, longer flowering is observed.
In order to be guaranteed to see the result of the work with the seedless method, it is recommended to adhere to several basic rules on how to plant asters:
- when sowing in the fall, it is recommended to sprinkle the seeds with a layer of mulch. With the onset of spring, this layer is not touched. It is only necessary to weed the area around, before the first shoots appear;
- before sowing in the spring, it is recommended to spill the soil with boiling water. This is necessary for disinfection, and it will additionally warm the ground;
- bed depth - no more than 2 cm;
- watering the beds is better with warm water;
Landing in open ground
How to organize correct sowing in spring and before winter
When planting seeds in the winter, you must wait until the ground freezes. They are deepened by 3-5 cm. The pre-selected area is freed from weeds and fertilized. Sprinkle the seeds with earth. The seeds are frost-resistant, but it is still better to cover them with an additional layer of mulch. In the spring, after the first shoots appear, this layer can be removed.
If you sow asters in the spring, you need to wait until the snow melts and the earth warms up. The depth of the hole is about 2 cm. Sprinkle with earth on top. If cold nights are expected in the spring, then it is better to cover the garden with spunbond or film.
Post-flowering care and preparation for winter
As the flowering period ends, the seeds are harvested and with the onset of the first frost they can be planted.
Aster seeds are harvested as follows:
- waiting for the end of flowering;
- the central part should darken and a white fluff will appear there;
- the inflorescence is cut and placed in a paper bag;
- the aster dries up, after which the seeds are collected.
Perennial aster does not need to be covered. It is enough to sprinkle the root system with mulch.
In general, planting and caring for perennial asters in the open field are identical to the rules for keeping an annual aster.
How asters breed
There are two known breeding methods:
- dividing the bush;
- grafting.
Dividing the bush
The bush can begin to divide as it reaches the age of two. You need to choose a layer with a developed root system. It is necessary to make sure that there are 3-5 kidneys on it. The separated bush should be rooted, sprinkled with earth. The earth must be well moistened and tamped.
Dividing the bush
Cuttings
It is recommended to use this method if you wish to preserve or breed a new aster variety. For this, a stem about 7 cm long is cut off and placed in water. After the first roots appear, the cutting can be planted in the ground.
Aster cuttings
Features of plant care in the open field:
In order for the plant to actively grow and develop, it needs to be provided with full care.
Temperature
The optimum temperature for growing asters will be 20-25 degrees. That is why this flower can be found in many garden plots located in the middle lane. Although the plant is not classified as demanding to care for, it is still better to protect it from drafts and strong winds. Depending on the variety, asters can bloom until September, but no later. Autumn weather is not good for them.
Lighting
Astra prefers to grow in a sunny area. If it is difficult to find such an area for placing a flower bed, then it is recommended to choose a place where the sunny day is as long as possible. It is also recommended to rely on the description for a particular variety. Some of them prefer to grow in partial shade.
Watering
As with any other plant, asters need regular watering. Moreover, if it is hot outside, then the plant needs a large volume of water. Excess moisture is just as harmful as lack of moisture. Water stagnation should not be allowed, and special care must be taken to the close location of groundwater.
Watering
Spraying
In order for the buds to bloom lush, the plant must be regularly sprayed, with the exception of buds and flowers. For this, a 2% solution of potassium permanganate is used.
To prevent and prevent the development of diseases and damage to the flower by pests, it must be regularly sprayed. For this, special insecticides are used.
Humidity
The optimum air humidity is 60-70%. With an insufficient level of humidity, flowers can lose their decorative appearance, and the number of seeds is significantly reduced.
Priming
Asters prefer neutral soil. The acidity level ranges from 5 to 7 pH.To check this level in the arsenal of an experienced gardener, you can see a special litmus test. If the level is exceeded, then a little lime is added to the soil.
After each watering and rain, the soil is loosened.
Top dressing
A couple of weeks after planting the aster in the open ground, you can make the first top dressing. For this, a mineral complex with a predominance of nitrogen is most often used. The next top dressing is recommended when the first buds are born. This will require superphosphate and potassium fertilizer.
When and how it blooms
The time and timing of the flowering of asters largely depends on the selected variety.
Types of flowers
Asteraceae include many varieties and varieties. Finding the right one is not a problem. Most popular among gardeners:
- Ostrich feather;
- Duchess;
- Bouquet;
- Snow White;
- Oktyabrina;
- Victoria.
Flower shapes
According to the shape of the inflorescence, asters are divided into:
- flat;
- rounded flat;
- hemispherical;
- spherical;
- semi-double;
- terry.
Flowering period
According to the flowering time, asters can be divided into 3 main groups:
- early - bloom from May to June;
- summer flowers bloom from June to July or until the first half of August;
- autumn will delight with their beauty in August-September.
Changes in care during flowering
There are no significant changes in flower care during the flowering period. Watering remains plentiful, but excess moisture is detrimental to the flower. During the budding period, top dressing is introduced, which accelerates their development. To do this, use 50 gr. a mixture of phosphate and potassium for each 1 m2 of land. The next top dressing is recommended to be applied during the flowering period in order to prolong it as much as possible.
Transplant after purchase and during reproduction
After purchasing the seedlings, it is recommended to transplant no later than a week later. The recommended time depends on the variety chosen and ranges from April to May. If the flowers are bought later, then you can plant them in open ground using the cuttings method. It is available all summer long.
Possible growing problems
Aster does not belong to the demanding type of flowers. But some problems do not bypass her. The health of the flower must be addressed when the first signs appear.
Healthy and lush asters
Leaf problems
A healthy flower has strong, elastic, bright green leaves. Any change indicates a problem. For example, yellowing, dryness and even curling are often the result of insufficient or excessive watering.
Pests
Asters are most commonly affected by aphids, thrips and leafhoppers. These parasites often not only feed on the valuable sap of the plant, but also carry other diseases. To prevent their reproduction and destruction, it is recommended to treat the flower with Fitoverma insecticidal solution.
The earwig loves to feast on juicy stems and buds. To prevent its appearance, it is necessary to regularly remove weeds and loosen the soil.
When signs of spider mite multiplication appear, namely the appearance of whitish spots on the back of the leaves, the plant must be treated with soapy water.
Diseases
Asters often develop late blight. It is characterized by the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. The affected areas must be cut off, and the cut sites must be treated with activated carbon powder.
Rust is a fungal disease. It is also common. For treatment, you need to use a fungicide solution.
Signs of improper care
If the flower is not properly looked after, then it immediately signals this:
- small and rare flowers indicate a lack of light and moisture;
- excess nitrogen is characterized by lush greenery and small inflorescences;
- at the stage of bud development, potash is added.
If the gardener observes all the rules of how to care for asters, then a lush and bright flowering will not be long in coming. Having once planted this flower in their garden, many gardeners will fall in love with it forever.
