Aster (Hardy Aster)
Valued for its late summer and fall floral display. Plant in mass for best effect or interplant among other perennials.
| Growing Temperature: | 65-75° F days
60-65° F nights |
|---|---|
| Soil pH: | 6.0-6.5 |
| Fertility: | Aster are heavy feeders and perform best when a constant liquid fertilization program is used. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips, and whiteflies.
Botrytis, Powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia foliage blight, and Rust. |
| Potting and Timing: | Use a professional potting media with 20-35% peat moss for water retention. |
| Moisture: | Aster require frequent irrigations, particularly when they reach finished size. Watering thoroughly when irrigation is necessary, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. |
| Planting Level: | Place plugs even with the soil line. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | Pinching is beneficial to promote lateral branching.
PGRs can be applied to control height control. The first application should occur after pinching - once the new shoots are about 1 inch in length. |
| Lighting: | Short days required to flower. |
