Growing aster from seeds: 5 useful tips to get lush flowers

Aster is a common flower that is grown in country houses. Asters can be annual or perennial plants. The culture has undemanding care that even a beginner can handle. In order for the buds to be lush and delight you with beautiful flowering, you must follow the advice of experienced flower growers.

Seed selection

In order for the seedlings to be strong and the seeds to sprout quickly, it is recommended to use last year’s seeds. This planting material has a thin shell and sprouts quickly. Therefore, the plant often grows on its own if the seeds fall into the ground in the fall.

Processing of planting material

To prevent plants from being exposed to diseases and fungal infections, the seeds must be treated. To do this, use a light solution of manganese, where the seeds are placed for 10–15 minutes.

Experienced summer residents also recommend soaking in Epin for 3–4 hours. This treatment speeds up the germination process and stimulates the appearance of additional inflorescences.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

In order to get lush buds, it is recommended to pre-grow seedlings. To do this, in mid-March, the seeds are planted in a light substrate, which consists of sand and turf.

The container with seeds is covered with glass and placed on the windowsill. After the seedlings reach 5–7 cm in height, they need to be pruned.Thus, the roots will be developed and strong.

Transplanting to a flowerbed

Seedlings can be planted in the ground only after the 5th leaf appears. Otherwise, the plant will have a long period of time to adapt to the new growth location.

Before planting seedlings in open ground, they must first be hardened off. To do this, 2 weeks before planting, seedlings must be ventilated daily, starting hardening of young shoots from 3 minutes, gradually increasing the duration.

Fertilizer application

In order for asters to be lush and delight with long-term flowering, fertilizing is carried out in 3 stages:

• The first feeding is carried out when 7–8 leaves appear. A light solution of saltpeter is used. For 10 liters, no more than 30 grams of saltpeter is used;
• the second feeding is carried out during the formation of buds. Fertilizing is carried out with superphosphate and potassium salt;
• The third application of nutrients must be carried out during the flowering period. For this, phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is used.

This fertilization scheme will make the buds lush and the flowering period long.

Asters have a variety of bud colors, which can be used to create a unique flower bed. In order for the aster to have large buds and bloom until the first frost, it is necessary to correctly follow all care recommendations.