Asters are daisy-like perennials with starry-shaped flower heads that range in color from white to blue to purple. Here at Gulbaan's farms, we have the purple variety available, while we are also hard at work to produce a pink variety. Keep an eye on the Plants section of our website to keep updated on our offerings!
What is great about perennial asters is that they bloom when there is little else flowering. They bring delightful beauty to the garden in late summer and autumn, when many of our summer blooms may be fading.
Note that as is in the name, this is a perennial species, and once the root has taken hold and properly taken care of, can be enjoyed in your garden for many years to come. It can be encouraged to flower twice or thrice a year, with proper pruning.
What you're getting:
- We are providing these plants in 12 Inch Pots, at a bud initiated stage. They should start flowering within a few days of taking them home!
How you'll get them:
How they'll be once fully bloomed:
How to Place/Plant:
- They should be kept in the pot or planted (more tips below) in either sunny or partial shade conditions (i.e., with sunlight available for at least a portion of the day) to thrive.
- Soil should be moist but well-drained, and loamy.
- Mix compost into the soil prior to planting.
- Space asters 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type and how large it’s expected to get.
- Give plants plenty of water at the time of planting.
How to Grow:
- Add a thin layer of compost (or a portion of balanced fertilizer) around the plants every spring to encourage vigorous growth.
- If you receive less than 1 inch of rain a week, remember to water your plants regularly during the summer. However, asters are moisture-sensitive; if your plants have too much moisture or too little moisture, they will often lose their lower foliage or not flower well. Keep an eye out for any stressed plants and try a different watering method if your plants are losing flowers.
- Pinch back asters once or twice in the early summer to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Don’t worry, they can take it!
- Cut asters back after flowering has subsided, to encourage fresh growth and flowering in 3-4 months.
Some Pro Tips:
- Deadhead asters once the flowers begin to wilt, pinching off the dead flower, leaving the stem and any remaining flower buds intact. Dead flower removal prevents seed formation and encourages a new set of flowers.
- Cut back asters to half their height in late June to encourage fuller plants with more flowers, Cut back asters may begin flowering later than those that aren't cut back.
- If your perennial asters are blooming poorly or for only a short time, dig up the roots and divide the plants. Asters become overcrowded and require division every three years.
Some Fun Trivia:
The name “aster” comes from the Ancient Greek word for “star”—a reference to the plant’s star-shaped flowers.
We hope you enjoy taking care of these flowers! If there is anything else you would like team Gulbaan to cover, you can always drop us a message on instagram or whatsapp (0302-7439905)