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Top Questions About Aster Plants

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Questions About Aster Plants

  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 9, 2018
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This can help some, but I would recommend using iron sulfate to safely acidify the soil. A soil test will be necessary to know exactly how much you need to lower the pH.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    May 19, 2018
    A.

    Yes, treat your aster like a mum by pinching it back on Memorial Day and July 4th. It will be shorter, bushier and give a lovely show come fall. Asters do quite nicely in poor soil so do not fertilize it as this will result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 2, 2018
    A.

    To keep your asters blooming nicely you will want to remove these seed heads anyway so why not try to create new plants from the seed. This article should help

    http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/asters/growing-asters.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    September 12, 2018
    A.

    Yes, you may split these if you would like. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/asters/growing-asters.htm

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    September 16, 2018
    A.

    I'm not sure why your asters didn't bloom last year. Are they in full sun? There are hybrid asters that make knowing exactly which one you have very difficult. It sounds like Aster novae-angliae, aka Symphyotrichum New England aster. It may also be Aster novi-belgii "Royal Blue", a New York or Michaelmas aster. Like mums, asters need to be trimmed once or twice before July 4th. This helps them bush out instead of becoming rangy. Since asters are prone to mildew, remove some stems to the ground to increase air circulation. Fertilizer isn't necessary and may encourage tall, floppy growth. Put 2 inches of compost around the base of the plant annually instead of fertilizer. Consider saving some seed from this year's blooms. Asters are easy to grow from seed and seed can be sown in late fall where you want it to grow. If your aster is a hybrid, plants from seed will not look exactly like the parent plant. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/asters/aster-seed-planting.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    September 13, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, especially native asters. Also, lantana, pentas, chrysanthemum, frostweed (native), zinnia, butterfly bush, purple coneflower, helenium, goldenrod, milkweed.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/plants-for-migrating-butterflies.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    September 18, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Now will not be a good time to plant these. It is still far too warm.

    These should be planted in Spring in your area, as the warmer weather will prevent them from taking to the transplant. Compounding the issue will be overwatering in attempt to compensate for the dry and heat. This leads to infections.

    Your best bet will be to treat with a fungicide, and hope for the best. They may or may not make it until next year. Should they not come up by mid spring next year, you will know that you should replant then. Waiting until this time of year will usually end up like this.

    This article will help you to plant and care for these flowers: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/asters/growing-asters.htm

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