Asters always look good with their colorful flowers. In addition, they are undemanding, provide valuable bee pasture in autumn and are also suitable as cut flowers. In any case, there are enough reasons to increase them
What methods are there to propagate asters?
Asters can be propagated in three ways: by sowing in spring, dividing roots after flowering in autumn or early spring, and by cuttings in late summer. Root division is the most common method for rejuvenating older asters and gaining new plants at the same time.
Sowing: easy to tackle in spring
Direct sowing outdoors is possible without any problems. However, if you plan to cultivate the asters in pots, for example on the balcony or roof terrace, you can also sow them in pots.
How it works:
- Time: April
- Sow seeds 1 cm deep
- Sow 2 seeds per planting hole
- Keep substrate moist
- ideal germination temperature: 18 °C
- Germination time: 2 to 4 weeks (depending on temperature)
- From mid-May and by the beginning of June at the latest, early plants should be brought outside
Root division: propagation and rejuvenation
A second simple propagation method is to divide the plant or its root ball. This is also recommended to give the aster new strength. As a result, it blooms more prolifically again. You should therefore divide your aster every two to three years!
You should start dividing after flowering in late autumn or alternatively in early spring. Important: Only use asters that are large enough! The plant should be at least 2 years old and he althy!
The root ball is first dug up. Then it is divided with a knife or a spade. Each section should have at least 2 green stems. Simply cut back injured roots. Then all you have to do is plant it correctly.
Cuttings: A rather unusual method
This method is less common with asters:
- Time: Late summer
- Cut 10 cm long shoots
- remove lower leaves
- put in potting soil
- keep moist and cover with a plastic bag
- overwintering indoors for the first winter
Tip
You should bring the annual summer aster home in March so that it blooms in the same year.
