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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 the Day of Knowledge. Almost every flowerbed is decorated with these bright and at the same time unpretentious flowers. Why are asters so fond of flower growers? What are the planting and grooming rules to follow? Can asters be planted in the ground with seeds? These and many other issues will be covered in this article.
Brief description of the plant
Translated from Latin "Astra" means "star". This sounding name is given to herbaceous plants that belong to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. This group includes both annual and perennial flowers. The birthplace of flowers is China.
Asters are unpretentious, not picky about the composition of the soil (with the exception of varietal flowers), they calmly tolerate small drops in temperature. Even a novice florist can plant aster seeds outdoors in spring or autumn.
A popular type of annual flowers is known as Chinese Astra or garden aster. A brief description of the colors is as follows:
- Stems: Erect, simple, bush abundantly and are bright green in color. Some varieties have dark red stems.
- Leaves: green, petiolate, serrated, oval.
- Root system: fibrous, powerful, strong, with a large number of lateral roots. Aster easily tolerates minor damage to the roots during a dive or transplant.
- Flowers: simple, basket-shaped inflorescences.
- Fruit: achene.
The flowering time of flowers depends on the variety, as well as the time of planting. The formation of the first buds can be seen as early as 80-110 days after sowing aster seeds.
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 deep purple, lilac, dark red, blue tones. The shape of the flowers and petals differs depending on the variety.
Aster seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. But often many growers note that even for two-year-old seeds, the germination rate 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 the 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 harvesting period, the seeds rather resemble the well-known dandelion seeds, since they have fluff at one end.
Asters are light-loving plants. They can be grown 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, breeders have made many attempts to introduce a strict classification of the flowers of the Astrov family, however, to this day, an exact systematization does not exist.
By plant height, they are divided into tall, medium and low-growing. By the time of flowering - for summer flowering and autumn flowering. By the size of flower baskets - into large-flowered and small-flowered.
The most complete picture of asters can be given by systematization by the type of inflorescences. In addition to the popular simple ones, there are the following types of flowers:
- coronary;
- rectangular, curly;
- hemispherical;
- pompom;
- beam;
- semi-double, double, non-double;
- spherical;
- tiled.
Some varieties and varieties of flowers
The inimitable beauty of flowers, a variety of colors, a variety of shapes of flower baskets is the real 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 rays, mix
Pompom, Blue Moon (presented in several colors)
Peach bouquet
Spiked, pink-cream Naina
Needle-clawed Juvel Amethyst
New Belgian Astra White
Blueberry pampushka
Blueberry pampushka
And what are such magnificent varieties as "Pampushka, strawberry with cream", a series of varieties of different colors "Russian size", a series "Dragon Select", "Gray Lady", "Black Diamond", "Merlin" and many others! These inimitable flowers will transform your flower garden into a garden of paradise.
Growing methods
Garden asters are grown in two ways - seedling and non-seedling. 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.
Also, asters are grown by the seedling method, wishing to provide longer flowering. Transplanting flower seedlings into open ground is carried out 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.
Seedling method
Aster seeds are planted on seedlings 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. The instructions for each variety will tell you the exact time.
The rules for planting aster seeds for seedlings practically do not differ from traditional events and are familiar to every florist:
- in a container with holes, lay the drainage layer and soil by 3/4 of the total volume;
- spread flower seeds over 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 planting and cover with foil, put in a warm place until the first shoots appear.
Ventilate flower seedlings regularly and moisten as needed. When shoots appear, remove the film and move the containers to a light windowsill.
It is necessary to dive seedlings of asters in the phase of 2-3 true leaves. You can transplant flowers into 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 using this method, the 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 light, 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, wood ash, sand, compost or humus can be added before planting flowers.
Winter sowing
Pre-winter sowing of aster seeds in open ground is carried out in late autumn so that they do not have time to germinate. With this method of planting, flowers grow more resistant to temperature changes. However, not all aster varieties can be sown outdoors in late autumn. So before planting, pay attention to the recommendations on the packaging.
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 10. In the southern regions, aster seeds are sown after November 20. The first frost is a sign of the optimum sowing time.
In the prepared area, make grooves 2-3 cm deep. Aster seeds are laid out in 2-3 cm increments. Planting should be mulched with peat, humus or peat compost. Flowers do not need a layer of mulch that is too thick, 3-4 cm will be enough. It is not necessary to soak aster seeds before planting, germinate seeds and water the beds after sowing, otherwise all seed material will die.
With the onset of spring, you 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 a site for the future flower bed in the fall. Top up with compost or humus and dig up the area to the depth of a shovel bayonet.
In the spring, 2-3 weeks before planting flowers, superphosphates, ammonium sulfate and potassium salt are added to the soil at the rate of 1 m² - 30 g, 15 g, 20 g. Dig the site again and leave for a while for the soil to shrink.
You can sow aster seeds in open ground already in late April - early May, when the air warms up to + 10˚C + 12˚C. These terms are relevant for residents of central regions. In areas where spring comes a little later, the sowing period 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 proceed 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 aster seeds 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 first feed the flowers with nitrogen-based fertilizers.
It is advisable to cover the ridges with foil 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 flower seedlings that have to be removed. Thin ridges with a small spatula or spoon. Carefully dig out the excess shoots and plant the asters in open ground in another place. The flowers tolerate the transplant relatively calmly, practically do not get sick and are quickly accepted.
Flower care
Further care of the sown asters consists in performing the usual activities such as watering, weeding, loosening, hilling and feeding.
Water the asters 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 brightness. Waterlogging can cause the occurrence and spread of various fungal diseases.
Loosening of 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 sufficient.
As soon as the first signs of branching of the main stem appear, asters need to be spud to a height of 7-8 cm. This event accelerates root growth and promotes active growth and development of green mass.
Asters are fed in the open field three times during the season. Primary feeding is carried out 1.5-2 weeks after the emergence of seedlings with nitrogen fertilizers.
You need to fertilize the flowers again 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, growers sometimes face some problems when growing them:
- Aster seeds do not germinate for 1.5-2 weeks. The first shoots should appear in 7-10 days. The questions why asters do not rise, and what to do in this case, the answers are very simple. The first reason may lie in non-compliance with the rules for planting flowers, in particular, regarding the quality of the soil. The second is low-quality planting material. In both cases, sow the aster seeds again, following all recommendations.
- Asters can get fusarium. Most often, the source of the disease is the predecessors of flowers. You can not sow asters in open ground after nightshades, gladioli, carnations, tulips. They leave pathogens in the soil.
- Incomplete inflorescence is a kind of signal of an attack on asters by a spider mite.
- Scanty, dim flowering signals a lack of nutrients in the soil. Feed the flowers and this problem will disappear.
In general, following the recommendations regarding planting asters with seeds in open ground and caring for flowers, you can avoid the occurrence of some complications.
Diseases and pests
Asters grown outdoors are susceptible to the following fungal diseases:
- gray rot;
- fusarium;
- blackleg;
- verticellosis.
The causes of diseases are non-compliance with the recommended planting scheme, 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 florists regarding the planting scheme and crop rotation, as well as carry out preventive treatments in a timely manner.
Occasionally, flowers can 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 are in the phase of 2-4 true leaves. The first sign of the appearance of insects is deformation and wrinkling of the leaves. Therefore, for prevention, asters need to be treated with intavir, karbofos or depis.
But besides aphids, asters are often attacked by other pests:
- spider mite;
- meadow bug;
- tobacco thrips;
- sunflower moth.
At the first signs of the appearance of pests on flowers, you need to 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 a seedling way. But it is much easier to sow asters with seeds in open ground. With a seedless planting method, you can avoid unnecessary hassle with growing flower seedlings, picking them and transplanting them to a flower bed, and save space on the windowsill. Indeed, it is at the beginning of spring that every centimeter of the area is occupied by seedlings of vegetable crops. With minimal effort, by fall, your flower beds will be adorned with colorful, inimitable flowers.
