20 seeds| Tatarian Aster #8046

Description: Germinating and growing Aster Seeds involves a few key steps to ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms. Here's a guide to help you through the process: 1. Seed Preparation- Stratification (Optional): Some aster varieties benefit from stratification, which involves chilling the seeds before planting to break dormancy. This can be done by placing the seeds in a moistened paper towel inside a plastic bag and refrigerating for about two weeks. 2. Sowing the Seeds- When to Plant: Plant seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. For direct sowing outdoors, plant after the danger of frost has passed.- Soil Preparation: Use a well-draining soil mix, ideally with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Loam or clay soils enriched with compost are suitable.- Planting Depth: Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep, as they need some light to germinate.- Spacing: If starting indoors, plant seeds in individual pots or trays. For outdoor sowing, space seeds or seedlings about 8-12 inches apart to allow for mature growth. 3. Germination- Environment: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Asters prefer cool temperatures for germination, so maintaining a soil temperature around 65-70°F (18-21°C) is ideal.- Time: Germination usually occurs within 10-14 days, depending on soil temperature and conditions. 4. Care After Germination- Light: Once sprouted, seedlings need plenty of light. If grown indoors, place them near a sunny window or under grow lights.- Watering: Water the seedlings regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.- Thinning: If seedlings are too crowded, thin them out to ensure the healthiest plants have room to grow. 5. Transplanting- Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to outside conditions by gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures for a week.- Transplanting: Move the seedlings to their final growing spots in the garden after all risk of frost has passed. 6. Ongoing Care- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and possibly again mid-season if growth seems slow.- Mulching: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.- Staking: Some taller varieties may need staking to prevent flopping.- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding if undesired. 7. Pest and Disease Management- Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of pests and diseases. Common issues include powdery mildew and aster wilt.- Control: Use appropriate fungicides for fungal diseases and insecticidal soap for pests if natural methods fail. By following these steps, your Aster should grow vigorously and provide a vivid display in the late summer to fall garden season.

Price: 3.79 USD

Location: Temple City, California

End Time: 2024-08-04T14:41:09.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD