Aster seedlings

Aster is one of the most beautiful flowers, it has many species that amaze with a variety of inflorescences and colors. In the southern regions, you can sow aster seeds directly into the ground, but in the middle lane and more northern regions, asters are grown in a seedling method, otherwise there is a risk of not waiting for flowering due to the onset of a rainy cold autumn. Aster seedlings are easy to grow, it does not take much time, but it guarantees you a wonderful lush flowering from July to the end of September.

Aster seeds for seedlings

Aster seeds for seedlings: photo

Despite the rather dense shell, aster seeds germinate rather quickly. If the seedlings did not appear in a week, then most likely the matter is in poor-quality planting material. To avoid unpleasant moments, carefully prepare for landing. In addition, disinfect the soil purchased at the seedling store, for this you can ignite it, steam it, or spill it with potassium permanganate.

When purchasing aster seeds for seedlings, pay attention to the date of its collection - the seeds should be harvested the previous summer, not earlier. Aster seeds lose their germination very quickly, so when buying, pay attention not to the expiration date, but to the date of collection. Soak the seeds in a growth promoter before planting, this will provide you with more friendly shoots. Sowing aster seeds should be carried out in the second half of March or early April, deepen the seeds no more than 1 cm into moist soil, cover the container with glass or cling film and put in a warm place.

Growing seedlings of asters

Aster seeds for seedlings: photo

After the emergence of seedlings of aster seeds, the shelter must be removed, and the container must be rearranged closer to the light, while the temperature should not be very high, + 16 ... + 17 degrees. This is necessary in order for the aster seedlings to slow down their growth and get stronger before they stretch up, after about a couple of weeks the temperature can be raised. At this time, be very careful with the mode and volume of irrigation, so as not to dry or flood the sprouts.

If initially the aster seedlings were not planted too close, and you kept a distance of 5 cm, then one pick will be enough, when a couple of real leaves appear at the seedlings. Aster tolerates transplanting well, planting it in separate pots, you will give the plants the opportunity to build up a good root system.

A week after picking the aster seedlings, you can carry out the first feeding by watering the seedlings with a solution of complex mineral fertilizers or vermicompost. If the seedlings are on the windowsill, then remember to turn them daily so that the plants grow evenly, without leaning to one side.

In May, start hardening the seedlings by taking them outside for a short time at first and gradually increasing the time they stay in the air. For the last couple of nights, you can leave her outside, covered with plastic. Seasoned seedlings take root faster and adapt better to changing environmental conditions. After the night frosts stop, asters can be planted in the ground.

Seedling of asters in the ground

Aster seedlings: photo

Astra does not make increased demands on the soil, but does not like dense soil in which water can stagnate. If possible, it is better to prepare the soil in advance, add humus, ash or dolomite in the fall and dig everything up. In the spring, dig up again, adding complex mineral fertilizers and plant seedlings, observing the distance depending on the selected variety and the corresponding recommendations.

Aster responds very well to fertilizers, therefore, 2-3 weeks after transplanting, the plants can be fed, moreover, focusing on nitrogen, since now the asters need to grow greenery. And when the buds begin to form, nitrogen fertilizers can no longer be used, giving preference to potassium and phosphorus. Top dressing is best done by dissolving fertilizers in water, so the plants absorb them better, and this must be done carefully at the root before watering.

Aster loves moisture, so do not forget to water the plants in the absence of rain. Every time after watering or rain, gently loosen the soil, this facilitates the access of oxygen to the roots and is good for plant health.

In order for the asters to bloom regularly, it is necessary to remove the faded inflorescences in a timely manner, otherwise the plant throws all its strength into the ripening of the seeds. If you plan to collect seeds for planting next year, then towards the end of the season, choose the largest inflorescences on the strongest bushes and leave them to ripen.

Asters look great both in flower beds and in bouquets, do not require complex maintenance and bloom for a very long time. They can be planted in a flower bed with fading daffodils or tulips to fill the void, then your garden will be beautiful throughout the season.

Growing seedlings of asters from seeds: video