Astra can safely be called one of the most popular garden crops among flower lovers. She decorates flower beds and summer cottages until the first cold weather, when all other perennials have already faded. In addition, aster is a rather unpretentious and easy-to-care plant, so growing it from seeds is a very interesting activity.
Difficult to find garden plant, which would have greater species diversity than aster. Today, about 4 thousand varieties of this crop are known: they are distinguished by flowering time (early, middle, late), bush height, inflorescence structure and other characteristics. The most common varieties in our gardens are perennial New Belgian and New England varieties, as well as annual callestiphus, which are also called Chinese asters.
The height of the bushes of the plant can reach from 25 to 160 cm, the stems are branched or simple, the root is fibrous, powerful and well branched. Basket-shaped inflorescences can be coronal, curly, semi-double, spherical or needle-shaped, and are distinguished by a huge variety of shades - breeders have not yet bred only green and orange flowers.
In general, among the huge assortment of aster varieties, a gardener can easily find something he likes, but to grow a crop it is very important to know its main features.
You can grow asters from seeds either in seedlings or without seedling method, that is, sowing the material directly into the ground. The first method is more complex and painstaking, but it gives a much better chance of growing healthy, strong flowers.
The seedless method is more suitable for experienced gardeners who can recognize high-quality seed material, since not all aster seeds have the ability to germinate in open ground. The procedure can be performed at the end of autumn (from November 10 to 20), in spring (April-May) or even in winter (December-January), directly on the snow. The algorithm of actions in this case is as follows.
Step 1. There is no need to germinate seeds before sowing, as young shoots may freeze or die. If the seed has been treated with preparations for germination, it must be thoroughly dried.
Growing aster in open ground - seeds
Step 2. On a previously prepared area, rows are made up to 2 cm deep at a distance of 10-15 cm.
Step 3. The seeds are sown so that the intervals between them are at least 1-2 cm, watered from a small watering can (if sowing is done in cold weather, there is no need to water the planting), and sprinkled with soil or mulch (layer thickness 2-2.5 cm).
Step 4. Spring crops must be additionally covered with film, which is removed after germination.
Step 5. As soon as the first true leaves appear on the shoots, it is better to thin out the planting so that there is a distance of 12 cm between the bushes.
If planting is carried out in winter time, the seeds are sown directly into grooves in the snow, and it is very important that the thickness of its layer is at least 10-15 cm. They are mulched on top with pre-aerated peat or compost so that during the thaw period the crops are not washed away by water. As soon as the snow begins to melt, the seeds will find themselves in the most favorable conditions - optimal temperature regime without the risk of overheating, and the required amount of moisture.
Many gardeners claim that asters that were planted without seedlings grow strong, healthy, and are also more resistant to diseases.
The seedling method involves growing aster seedlings, which are subsequently transplanted to permanent place, and consists of several stages.
To grow seedlings you will need:
The nutritious soil mixture is prepared as follows: take equal parts of garden soil, sand and compost, mix and steam well. After this, add wood ash (a glass of ash is taken into a bucket of soil) and a handful of perlite. It is also recommended to separately heat a little river sand in the oven in order to subsequently cover the seeds with it - this will protect them from waterlogging and blackleg disease.
Nutrient soil mixture - preparation
Sowing seeds for seedlings is the most important stage, so it is very important to follow the correct sequence of actions.
Step 1. Wash containers for growing well with soap and water, treat with a solution of potassium permanganate and dry well.
Step 2. Treat the seeds in any fungicide (for example, in the “Maxim” preparation, at the rate of 4 ml per 2 liters of water, soak the seed for 30 minutes) to protect them from diseases.
Step 3. Fill the containers with the nutrient mixture, lightly compact them and pour in a solution of potassium permanganate.
Step 4. Make small grooves in the soil (up to 2 cm deep, distance 2-5 cm) and place the seeds in them.
Step 5. Sprinkle the seed with a thin layer of soil or calcined sand.
Step 6. Cover the crops with glass or film and place them in a bright place ( optimal temperature– 20-22 o C).
Step 7 If everything was done correctly, the first shoots will appear after 5-10 days. After this, you need to remove the shelter and move the containers to a cool place (temperature up to 15 o C).
Caring for the crops at this stage involves regularly moistening the soil - this is best done with a spray bottle so as not to flood the sprouts.
Seedlings dive immediately after 2-3 leaves appear on them. Aster sprouts tolerate transplantation well, but the procedure should be performed in a timely manner so that they do not have time to stretch too much.
Step 1. Fill pots or other containers with the same mixture that was used for sowing the seeds, but add a tablespoon of complex mineral fertilizer to it and mix well.
Step 2. Compact the soil and make a small depression in the center of each container.
Step 3. Transplant the shoots into pots, deepening them so that between lower leaves and about 1 cm remains on the soil surface, and compact the soil again.
Step 4. Sprouts are watered room temperature, starting from the edges of the containers and gradually moving towards the middle so that the leaves remain dry.
Step 5. The seedlings are placed in a lighted place where direct sunlight does not reach. Recommended temperature is 20 o C.
As the soil dries out, young asters water warm water, trying not to overdo it. As soon as 4 leaves appear on the stems, you should begin hardening the plants - take them to a shaded place on Fresh air, gradually increasing the residence time. Transplant shoots into open ground should be done immediately after the soil has warmed up well.
The transplantation is best tolerated by shoots 5-7 cm high, which have 5-6 well-developed leaves. The area should be well prepared in the fall, and before the procedure the soil should be fed with nitroammophos (40-50 g per square meter) and mix well so that the fertilizer is distributed in upper layers soil. It is better to choose the evening hours for replanting so that the sun does not scorch the young leaves.
Step 1. Dig small holes in the area at a distance of 15-30 cm from each other (depending on the type of aster).
Step 2. Replant the shoots together with a lump of earth, deepening them by 2-3 cm, and compact the soil a little.
Step 3. Water the seedlings at the root and mulch with peat, which will prevent the soil from petrifying.
In most cases, aster seedlings take root well, since the plant is distinguished by its ability to regenerate its root system after damage. The most important thing is properly organized planting care.
Asters that live in favorable conditions and receive appropriate care begin to bloom in July-August (depending on the variety), and delight their owner with bright, lush flowers right up to frost.
Asters - queens of autumn
Asters are real beauties, delighting with their many colors in late autumn, when there are no other flowering plants left. We will talk about when and how aster is planted as seedlings, and the features of caring for plants.
Asters appeared in Europe in the 16th century thanks to a clergyman from France who managed to bring seeds from a long trip to China. Scientific name of the flower that decorates personal plots and gardens, calistemma. To get bright flower beds, you need to know when to start spring work.
There are two types of asters - annual and biennial. Both of them reproduce by seedlings, not only in the house, but also directly into the ground. Flower lovers are interested in when to sow seeds.
No one will give a definite answer to the question. The choice of period depends on various factors:
The growing season of the plant, depending on the timing of the beginning of flowering, lasts 80-130 days. So for early varieties, 90 days are enough, for mid-early varieties - 110, late asters require from 120 to 130 days.
Seed packets always indicate the growing season and the approximate time for sowing seedlings. For getting blooming flower beds with asters throughout the summer and autumn, seeds of the same varieties are sown at different times.
Sowing of seeds begins in February. But in this case, you need to take care of highlighting the seedlings. Optimal time sowing asters with seeds for seedlings - March, April. Seeds are sown directly into the ground in mid-May.
Asters can be grown in seedlings or without seedlings, both in an apartment and in a greenhouse. Non-seedling option experienced gardeners are not very welcome, since planting aster seeds in open ground significantly delays the onset of flowering. This method is possible only in the southern regions of Russia, where above-zero temperatures last almost until November.
In open ground, seeds are sown in different terms:
In autumn and winter sowing the conditions of natural stratification are met, which is necessary for seeds, as one of important conditions for seed germination. Moreover, it is fresh seeds that have a high degree of germination. The main thing is to prepare the soil and cover the crops.
During spring and autumn breeding Only dry seeds are sown. They begin to germinate after the soil has completely thawed.
In spring, the seed must be soaked and germinated to awaken its viability. Seed placement depth is 5-8 mm. Shoots appear in 12-14 days. Since the seeds are sown densely, after 2-3 leaves appear, the plantings are thinned out, leaving up to 15 cm between asters. Excess plants should not be thrown away; they can find a place in other flower beds.
Aster for seedlings at home is grown in containers with subsequent picking. Sowing is carried out at different times: in February, March or April. For growing healthy seedlings asters, sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in fertile loose soil. The seed must be fresh, since after a year the germination rate drops by 70%.
When preparing the soil, take garden soil, humus, sand and wood ash. All components are mixed and poured with boiling water, adding crystals of potassium permanganate to it. Ash and potassium permanganate are necessary to combat the main disease of the Astrov family - blackleg.
It is advisable to soak the seeds in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, rinse in clean water and dry until fluffy. Sow shallowly in the furrows, only 5 or 8 millimeters. Sprinkle soil on top. To make the seed hatch faster, create greenhouse conditions: cover the containers with film.
Shoots appear faster at temperatures of 18-25 degrees. Now you need to make sure that the soil does not dry out, but excessive watering is unacceptable, as the aster seedlings may die.
Growing seedlings on a window has disadvantages: lack of light. Therefore, the aster has to be illuminated artificially. If you have a greenhouse, then in April you can take plants there for hardening.
Aster seedlings are often grown with subsequent picking. The timing of picking may be different, depending on the characteristics of development. As a rule, this happens 1.5 weeks from the moment of germination. By this time, the plants form 2-3 true leaves.
And now about how to properly plant aster seedlings into separate containers. This action must be taken seriously, because outwardly the seedlings look strong. In fact, plants are vulnerable:
After picking the seedlings is completed, the containers are installed in partial shade for two days. Then on the brightest window at a temperature of 12-15 at night, 16-25 degrees during the day. Further care caring for seedlings comes down to timely moderate watering and loosening the soil.
After 14-15 days, when the aster seedlings have taken root well, the plants need to be fed. Can be used with special fertilizers for seedlings. A manganese solution or wood ash extract works well on seedlings. Seedlings need to be fed 2-3 times. Fertilizing should always be combined with watering.
Novice gardeners are also interested in the question of when to plant seedlings in open ground. These periods depend on the temperature characteristics of the region. Seedlings should be planted when day and night temperatures are above +5 degrees.
The seedlings are hardened off 10-14 days before planting. To do this, the seedlings are taken outside into partial shade and the residence time is gradually increased. By the time of transplantation, the asters adapt and take root well.
Thousands of flower growers are passionate about breeding asters, because this autumn flower is different wide variety colors and shapes. Their buds have exquisite beauty, and abundant flowering lasts for quite a long time, which has ensured the plant’s undying popularity. You can grow flower seedlings yourself at home, either in containers in the spring or under the snow in the fall. But be careful: caring for young seedlings will require certain agrotechnical knowledge.
Annual varieties of asters are sprouted with seeds through seedlings in order to speed up the process of sprout formation and ensure friendly germination of purchased grains. Often their sowing occurs in two stages: in March or April, then in May. Planting asters twice will help prolong flowering. These annuals can withstand light frosts and drought quite well; temperatures of about -7 degrees will not harm frost-resistant plants.
The following types of asters have gained particular popularity among annuals:
Before sowing, soak the seeds for seedlings in a fungicide: this will increase the germination rate, this procedure is especially useful for stale grains. If you collected aster seeds from your own flower garden, then within a few months the chances of sprouts appearing will be much reduced. Such seeds germinate worse and bloom more sparingly and less than purchased samples.
In addition to fungicide, gardeners use potassium permanganate or phytosporin. The preparations “Fitovital” and “Stimulin” are also used to disinfect seeds. Process planting material according to the instructions described in the instructions, then dry the grains.
They increase germination by the method of stratification (hardening). The technology consists of hardening the seeds in refrigeration chamber. To do this, place them in a container whose bottom is covered with soil, cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for two weeks. Then move the tray to a warm, lit windowsill.
To properly plant an aster for seedlings, it is necessary not only to create favorable conditions for cultivation, but also to plant at the right time. If daylight hours are short, start planting closer to April. If spring is early, start work in early March.
Advice! Artificial lighting makes it possible to sow seeds earlier than in mid-spring, regardless of the length of daylight hours.
Purchase a container for seedlings in a specialized store; it should not be too deep; an acceptable height of the sides can be 5 cm. From available means, select a pallet or any other plastic container. In the future you will need separate pots. Small plastic cups are also suitable for transplanting grown shoots.
Spread the soil evenly among the boxes or containers in which you are going to grow the seedlings, and sprinkle it with a small layer of disinfected sand. Sow the seeds on moist soil and lightly cover them with soil. Cover the container with seedlings with transparent film or glass and place it in warm room with plenty of lighting.
Important! 7 days after sowing, the first shoots appear; if this does not happen soon, most likely the lighting and temperature conditions have been violated.
On the borings, leaves will form after 2–4 days. As soon as they appear, begin to ventilate the greenhouse. In this way you will accustom the plants to more aggressive conditions. environment. When the seedlings acquire another pair of leaves, start picking. Most suitable option for this they are considered peat cups, but ordinary pots and glasses will also work.
Further growth of the shoots depends on the volume of the container in which they are located. Therefore, transplant the aster sprouts into new pots in this way:
Upon completion of replanting, reduce the temperature to +16 degrees and transfer the asters to a cool room. During the day, take the seedlings to the balcony or windowsill to warm up.
After spring frosts plant seedlings in open ground.
Grow aster seedlings on the lungs soil mixtures with a neutral reaction. Purchased soil, for example, "Living Earth", will also work. It recreates all the important nutritional elements, so you don't have to look for other additives for it.
You can prepare the soil at home yourself. The mixture will require the following ingredients in unequal proportions:
A day before sowing asters for seedlings, sterilize the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate. This procedure will prevent the development of root rot. The ground temperature should be approximately +20 - +22 degrees, a couple of degrees lower than indoors. Accordingly, the air in the room should be well heated. Then the hatched sprouts will stretch upward to the warm air.
Most annuals are tropical plants accustomed to long daylight hours. Therefore, the aster needs additional lighting. IN short days place the seedlings under fluorescent lamps or special phytolamps.
Lack of light will cause the sprouts to stretch out. They turn pale, the stem becomes thinner. As a result, the seedlings begin to get sick and die. Place the lamp close to the crops (25–30 cm) at dusk for 6 hours a day, or turn on the light for 3 hours in the morning and evening. Thanks to such actions, the seedlings will quickly grow stronger.
Water the seeds by spraying from a spray bottle with settled water at room temperature. Grown shoots can be watered from a small watering can so that the soil is not washed away by water.
When the seedling has two full-fledged leaves, add it to the water for irrigation. a small amount of liquid mineral fertilizer for seedlings. If the stems stretch too long, be sure to organize correct lighting and add calcium supplement. If yellowness appears on young plants, apply iron-containing fertilizing.
Annual aster needs sufficient light and moisture. It is planted in open areas. Light shading is allowed in the afternoon.
The soil for asters should be well-drained, as they cannot tolerate stagnant water. Most lush flowering observed when growing flowers on light sandy loams and loams with neutral acidity.
I grow aster through seedlings. So it blooms for me two weeks earlier and pleases me with lush caps until the fall. In the southern regions, aster can be sown directly into flower beds. Despite the dense shell, aster seeds are characterized by friendly and rapid germination.
For sowing, I take only fresh seeds. I prepare the soil mixture from two parts of garden soil and one part each of sand and humus. I use it as containers wooden boxes or plastic bowls with a depth of at least 5 cm. Before sowing, I always spill the soil with a strong solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.
I start sowing asters for seedlings in the last days of March or the first ten days of April. I pre-soak the seed in Epin solution. You can use any other growth stimulant or soak the seeds in a solution of magnesium sulfate or zinc chloride (0.5 g per liter of water) for 15-17 hours.
I plant the seeds one centimeter deep. I moisten the grooves well, lay out the swollen seeds and cover them with leaf humus and sand on top. I cover the containers with film so that the soil does not dry out. Shoots appear after a week, after which I remove the cover and place the boxes with seedlings on sunny window sills.
When the first true leaves appear, I pick out the seedlings. I use the same soil as when sowing seeds. Before picking, I water the seedlings well in the evening. I plant seedlings in large boxes at a distance of 5 cm from each other, and keep 10 cm between rows.
A week after the dive, I make sure to feed the aster seedlings with fertilizers that contain predominantly nitrogen. I use ammonium nitrate (one matchbox of fertilizer per bucket of water) or humates. I apply a second fertilizing with complete mineral fertilizer after about two weeks, when new leaves appear.
In order for the seedlings to be strong, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for them. I regularly ventilate the room with the seedlings and maintain the temperature in it during the day at plus 20 degrees Celsius, and at night - up to plus 16.
With the coming warm weather I'm starting to harden off the seedlings. First, I take the boxes into the greenhouse for several hours. Gradually leave them in an outdoor shelter for the whole day, and then overnight.
I plant aster in flower beds in the first half of May. Low growing varieties(Crestella, Milady, Crimson) I place them compactly - at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. Tall varieties(Assol, Gala, White Tower, Rosanna) need more space to grow, so I plant them according to the 30x30 pattern.
Asters respond very well to fertilization. I feed asters for the first time 10 days after planting. ammonium nitrate(10 g), liquid phosphate (5 g) and potassium salt (5 g), diluted in a bucket of water. For the second feeding during budding, I increase the amount of liquid phosphate to 10 g, and take the remaining components in 5 g each. After the first wave of flowering, I fertilize the asters again, but exclude saltpeter from the solution.
Further care for asters is not difficult. I water the flowers regularly, after which I make sure to loosen the soil. I immediately tear off the drooping inflorescences, without waiting for them to dry completely, in order to stimulate the flowering of new buds.
Growing aster seedlings is very easy if you follow the recommendations. The seedlings tolerate transplantation well open flower beds and quickly begins to grow. At proper care aster blooms profusely until late autumn.
Astra – annual flower, which blooms by mid-summer. Its main positive characteristics: unpretentiousness and cold resistance.
Despite this, to grow beautiful plant in your garden or dacha, you will need certain knowledge.
Experienced gardeners grow them in seedlings, this helps protect young plants from death and promotes earlier and abundant flowering. In this article we will take a detailed look at the process of growing a flower: from preparing seeds and containers to planting in open ground.
The choice depends on the preferences of the gardener. As a rule, seed material is selected based on the color and height of the plant.
They also pay attention to the price segment: there are relatively cheap varieties, and there are more expensive varieties. If possible, we advise you to buy the most cold-resistant and disease-protected varieties.
The most popular varieties: Delight, Andersen, Alpine, Royal, Mongolian, New Belgian and Italian.
Seed preparation can be carried out in two ways: by germination and regular soaking.
Attention! Before sowing, the seeds are processed succinic acid or epin solution. This measure is a preventive measure against fusarium, which causes the leaves of asters to curl and turn yellow during or before flowering.
When the choice of seeds is made, they begin to prepare the soil. The flower can be planted in any soil, but it is best that it is medium-dense.
To do this, summer residents mix river sand, peat and soil taken from the garden. For those who do not have free time, ready-made mixtures are sold, for example, the “Flower” nutritious soil is good.
A separate point should be devoted to the choice of containers. Today, agricultural stores offer a huge number of boxes, peat pots, tablets. You can choose any option you like.
If you need to save money, then any plastic cups or bottles are suitable for planting asters. The main thing is not to forget to make small holes in them on the sides. This is necessary so that the earth does not rot.
Usually the flower is planted in the last ten days of March or early April. It all depends on the chosen variety.
For example, early varieties They begin to bloom after 90 days, and the mid-early ones after 120. It turns out that the earlier the aster gains color, the later the seedlings are planted from seeds.
Most early varieties can be planted in mid-April, and when working with late varieties, you can start growing sprouts from mid-March.
Pre-prepared containers are filled with earth, approximately 2/3. Then the soil needs to be moistened and small grooves made in it (seeds are subsequently planted in them).
It is worth paying attention that the depth of the grooves should not exceed 2 centimeters. Otherwise, the seeds may not sprout. Ordinary sand is poured over the entire surface of the earth into pots (or any other devices).
This good way in the fight against “blackleg” (bacterial or fungal disease, affecting the stem). “Blackleg” is a rather dangerous disease; when it is highly infected, seedlings die.
After the aster seeds have been planted, the containers are covered with polyethylene or glass and placed on the windowsill. There is no need to water during this period. Usually seedlings can be seen within a week. If the seeds were germinated, then the first green leaves may appear within three days.
When growing sprouts at home, Special attention worth paying attention to lighting And temperature. Each period of development is characterized by its own care:
Particular attention should be paid to watering. The water temperature must be at room temperature. The sprouts do not tolerate waterlogged soil, so it is watered rarely, but very abundantly.
Advice! You can feed the plant after complete rooting. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers (potassium nitrate and superphosphate) is carried out together with watering.
Planting in open ground occurs when the flower has 5-6 leaves and the height does not exceed 7 centimeters.
As a rule, this occurs 50-60 days after germination. For flowers, it is better to choose a sunny place, since shade can be destructive for them (the plant is a light-loving plant). The soil should be medium dense.
If the soil is heavy, peat, sand, and some ash are added to it. It is important to know that fresh manure cannot be added to the prepared flower bed.
The main care for seedlings after planting is timely watering, periodic loosening of the soil, and removal of weeds.
To summarize, we can say that the flower requires special care. Without knowing the basic rules for growing it, you can be left without beautiful flower beds.
