Aster flowers derive their name from the Ancient Greek word ἀστήρ, meaning a star, this is attributed to the shape of the flower, but to me, this flower is really a star, a star found in most flower gardens as they prepare for the fall flower show. Aster flower varieties include over 600 species and not to mention the countless numbers of hybrids and cultivars developed, this fall flower is a very popular genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. With some dedicated aster flower care, you can have a wide range of rich colors blooming happily in the garden. Read more on fall flower garden.
Aster Flowers
One of the most amazing aster flower facts is that a single aster flower is not really a single flower! Confused, well so was I, when I read about this flower for the first time I planned to grow them. A single aster flower is actually a cluster of about 100 tiny yellow-orange tubular flowers, surrounded by colorful petals. The tubular flowers are known as disk flowers, and the long petals as ray flowers. So there you have it, a single aster flower is like a hundred flowers! You will never come across a bright yellow aster flower (ray flowers are never yellow) as it would just merge with the disk flowers. Asters come in a variety of colors; white, cream, red, pink, blue, lavender, purple, etc. Pollination takes place between the bisexual tubular flowers, as they contain both; a pistil and stamens, while the ray flowers are mostly sterile. They mostly grow as flowering shrubs, with coarse looking leafy stemmed plants, slightly more woody at the base. The leaves are dark green, alternate, simple, long, narrow and pointed. Most asters are perennials, but a few cultivars are annuals and biennials. Click here to find aster flower meaning.
How to Grow Aster Perennial Flower Plants
Asters can be grown from both; seeds as well as division of roots. Annuals and biennials are usually started from seeds, while perennials through divisions, every three to four years. Sow the seeds indoors in pots or containers, about 15-20 days before the last frost. The seeds are big enough to be sown directly in the intended location, which can be done after the soil begins to warm in the spring. Sow them in light soil, cover them lightly and water just enough to moisten the soil. If it’s division you plan to use for propagation, then dig up the plants and separate into 3 to 4 clumps, and plant them immediately. Water them well, and regularly until well established. Plant your aster in soil that is well drained and mixed with plenty of organic compost for a healthier bloom. Asters grow well in zones from 3 to 9. Make sure they get full sun. In a flower bed, space asters four to six inches apart, this will give them enough space to spread.
Aster Flower Care
Once transplanted, give them time to establish themselves by regularly watering them. Caring for aster flowers includes watering, fertilizing, pruning and keeping an eye out for pest and diseases. Pinch off the main stem to make way for lateral shoots, to give it a more compact and bushier look. For established plants, prune off tall gawky stems before it’s time for the buds to appear. Feed the aster with some water soluble fertilizer when you see the buds appearing. If you want large and a few flowers, pinch off excess growth, else let all buds bloom. Remove all flower deadheads after the flowering season is over. As far as insects and diseases are concerned, asters are quite resistant. It is mostly the foliage that gets infected with rust and powdery mildew, which can be taken care of with a spray of germicide. Winter care is essential to asters, reduce watering, and give the plants a hard prune. Mulching will help protect your plant from extreme winters. Read about the types of mulch.
Aster flowers care as you must have realized is quite minimal, but what you get in return for this little effort is the enormous pleasures of seeing these blooms, bloom well!