Asters - which gardener doesn't know them, these wonderfully grateful and flower-rich perennials. They can be found in stores all year round. How to plant them correctly!
How do I plant asters correctly?
Asters should be planted in spring or autumn, depending on the species. Choose a sunny, warm location and loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Good neighboring plants are coneflower, delphinium, rose, phlox and globe thistle. Sow the seeds 0.5 to 1 cm deep in spring and keep the soil moist.
When is the ideal planting time?
If you want to plant autumn or summer asters, the ideal planting time is spring. Spring asters, on the other hand, should be planted in autumn. Attention: So that they can root properly until winter, you should plant them early in autumn!
Which location is suitable for asters?
Sunny, warm locations are best suited for these perennials. They also benefit from a protected location. Exceptions among the asters that also thrive in partial shade include blue forest asters, white forest asters and wild asters.
What requirements do asters place on the soil?
Asters do not have any difficult demands on the substrate. Above all, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
- loose texture
- good permeability
- high nutrient content
- medium to high humus content
- fresh to moist environment
Which perennials are suitable in the neighborhood?
Asters come in a wide variety of color variations, sizes and shapes. Basically, they can be showcased appropriately with other perennials that bloom at the same time, but also with ornamental grasses. Examples of good neighbors are:
- Coneflower
- larkspur
- Rose
- Phlox
- Ball Thistle
- Strawflower
- Switchgrass
- miscanthus
- Pennisetum grass
- Feather bristle grass
How do you sow asters?
If you want to sow asters with your own hands, you should do it in spring. The seeds are sown 0.5 to 1 cm deep. If you keep the soil moist, germination will occur after 2 to 3 weeks. Temperatures between 18 and 21 °C are optimal. From May the asters can be relocated outdoors.
When do asters bloom?
Not all asters bloom in autumn. There are species that bloom as early as May and into June. Other species, on the other hand, show their flowers in summer (pre-summer asters). Mountain asters, on the other hand, bloom in midsummer. Regardless of the flowering time, they all need their own individual portion of care.
Tip
Tall-growing species should be provided with a support to protect against twisting.
