| Common Name | Hardy Aster, New England Aster |
| Genus | Aster |
| Species | Hybrid |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy Perennial |
| Tray Size | 50 cell tray |
| Plug Care | Upon receiving plugs, transplant them into well-prepared beds with well-drained, amended soil. Ensure that the top of the plug is even with the soil level; avoid planting deeply. Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots, and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment phase. Do not allow the plugs to become rootbound or stressed while still in the plug tray. |
| Netting / Staking | Asters can become top-heavy when in bloom. Implementing support structures such as one or two layers of Hortonova netting or staking will help maintain upright stems, essential for top quality cut flowers. |
| Temperature Range | Typically, New England asters are hardy in USDA zones 4-8, perennial asters can withstand a range of temperatures but perform best in temperate climates. These hybrids from Danziger have been developed in Israel so we are not quite sure if they are as hardy as their parents. |
| Spacing | Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring uniform development. |
| Soil Preference | Asters thrive in well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. Irrigate well during establishment - once mature, plants are fairly drought tolerant. |
| Day Length | Short-day plants. Asters grow vegetatively during the long days of spring and summer and flower buds are initiated during the short days of late summer. When forcing crops outside of the natural day-length cycle it is necessary to use artificial lighting for night interruption or to provide long days. If bumping up plugs and growing on under grow lights, provide long day-lengths to avoid premature budding. |
| Pinching | Pinch once, 2 or 3 weeks after planting. Pinch down to 4 or 5 sets of leaves. |
| When to Plant | In the spring, after the threat of frost has passed. |
| Harvesting | Harvest early in the morning or in the evening when the plants are cool and well hydrated. Cut when the first flowers are open but many buds remain closed on each stem. Closed buds will continue to open in the vase, allowing for a vase life of well over a week. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place cut stems immediately into cool water, strip off any leaves that will be submerged under water. Use a floral conditioner and store in a cooler if not using right away. |
| Diseases / Insects | Monitor plants for the presence of powdery mildew, Alternaria, and Botrytis throughout the growing season. With ample air circulation between plants and well draining soil, disease pressure should be minimal. Whiteflies, thrips and occasionally spider mites are key pests to watch out for. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Currently we are carrying Danziger's line of top quality cutting Asters that are a perfect accompaniment to Chrysanthemums, Caryopteris, Kale and other autumnal beauties. They come in a range of clear pinks, lavenders and whites which compliment the warmer autumnal shades perfectly. Overall care is very similar to Chrysanthemum culture. Asters are also fairly heavy feeders and we recommend feeding them throughout the growing season and irrigating often for optimal growth and bud development. |
| Resources |