How to Grow China Asters
The large China Asters are the most common form grown by florists and gardeners.
Native to Asia, this lovely flowering annual is worth the little extra effort it
takes for growing.
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Callistephus chinensis
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Characteristics
It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, and numerous cultivars are available;
the cultivars are grouped by size, with very dwarf (up to 20 cm), dwarf (20-40 cm),
intermediate (40-60 cm) and tall (60-80 cm). Most species of aster are perennial
and generally bloom in August.
They have daisy-like or star-like flower heads (4-6" in diameter) with a yellow
center on leafy, often tall, stems.
The leaves are alternate, 4-8 cm long, ovate, and coarsely toothed. The flowerheads
are variable, with either all ray florets or an outer ring of ray florets surrounding
central disc florets. Their colors vary from white to creamy yellow, pink, blue,
red and purple. They do well in beds, borders or pots and are a favorite as cut
flowers because of their longevity.
Propagation & Protection
Asters need fertile, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. The propagation is through
seeds. Before sowing, sterilize the seeds with organic mercuric compounds to prevent
stem rot and damping-off. For sowing of seeds, it is best to use a shallow flat.
Add one-forth well rotted manure and enough sand to the soil to prevent the soil
from becoming hard. Fill the flat half or two-thirds full, water thoroughly, and
finish filling with soil just moist enough to handle nicely. Sow the seed in rows
2 inches apart, cover with fine sand and press firmly. The wet soil in the bottom
will furnish enough moisture so that the boxes will not have to be sprinkled until
after the seedlings are up.
The seeds will germinate in a little over a week. As soon as several true leaves
have grown, the seedlings should-be transplanted. Use rich soil in the bottom of
the flats and ordinary soil above as further protection against disease. Set the
seedlings 3 to 9 inches apart depending on the variety. The plants will grow to
a height of 6-10 inches to 3 feet and a width of 6-18 inches.
Since they are prone to wilt disease, virus diseases, foot rot, root rot, and aphids,
avoid planting in the same location year after year. Pinch off faded flowers and
yellowing foliage regularly to encourage new blooms. Shading plants prevents injury
from the tarnished plant bug and yellows. If plants are badly diseased, burn them
and stop growing China-asters for a few years. Water well in dry weather.
Growing Asters
Asters may be propagated by dividing or grown from seed sown indoors
at about 70 degrees F or may be sown directly into the garden after all
danger of frost has passed. Germination takes anywhere from 15 to 30
days, depending on the temperature.
- Asters should be planted in moist well-drained soil in full sun, but they will tolerate light shading.
- Plant Asters at least 18 inches apart so that plants do not form broad bushy clumps.
- Mature clumps should be divided every 3 - 4 years in the early spring, or late fall after the flowering has finished.
- Pinch back the tops by 6-8 inches at least once during the summer, to create a bushier plant and to prolong the fall bloom.
- Pinching must be done prior to mid July, or it will have an opposite effect, and blooming will be reduced.
Asters Plant Care
- By planting Asters in a sunny spot with good air circulation, powdery mildew can usually be avoided.
- Asters need regular watering at their roots.
- Many Aster varieties fail to survive the winter if kept too moist.
- Asters should be cut down after flowering to deter seeding. Even without seeding, Asters should be divided every three years to stay at their best.
- Disease in Asters can be controlled by dividing them yearly in spring.
- Pruning tends to delay flowering by only a few days but produces a much prettier plant.
Also, any other ideas, products, comments are welcome!
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