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Aster (China Aster)

 Scientific Name : Callistephus Chinensis
 Family : Asteraceae
 Colour : Various
 Common names : Aster, China Aster
 Flowering Period : August-September
 
Aster

The family Asteraceae have an estimated 1,150 genera and a huge number of species seen almost all over the world originating from North America, Europe, China etc. The large China Asters are the most common form grown by florists and gardeners. Native to Asia, this lovely flowering annual is worth the little extra effort it takes for growing. It has a wide array of varieties and the height ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet. Most species of Aster are perennial and generally bloom in August. They have daisy-like or star-like flower heads (4-6" in diameter) with a yellow center on leafy, often tall, stems. Their colors vary from white to creamy yellow, pink, blue, red and purple. They do well in beds, borders or pots and are a favorite as cut flowers because of their longevity.

Propagation

Asters need fertile, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. The propagation is through seeds. Before sowing, sterilize the seeds with organic mercuric compounds to prevent stem rot and damping-off. For sowing of seeds, it is best to use a shallow flat. Add one-forth well rotted manure and enough sand to the soil to prevent the soil from becoming hard. Fill the flat half or two-thirds full, water thoroughly, and finish filling with soil just moist enough to handle nicely. Sow the seed in rows 2 inches apart, cover with fine sand and press firmly. The wet soil in the bottom will furnish enough moisture so that the boxes will not have to be sprinkled until after the seedlings are up.

The seeds will germinate in a little over a week. As soon as several true leaves have grown, the seedlings should-be transplanted. Use rich soil in the bottom of the flats and ordinary soil above as further protection against disease. Set the seedlings 3 to 9 inches apart depending on the variety. The plants will grow to a height of 6-10 inches to 3 feet and a width of 6-18 inches.

Care

Since they are prone to wilt disease, virus diseases, foot rot, root rot, and aphids, avoid planting in the same location year after year. Pinch off faded flowers and yellowing foliage regularly to encourage new blooms. Shading plants prevents injury from the tarnished plant bug and yellows. If plants are badly diseased, burn them and stop growing China-asters for a few years. Water well in dry weather.

Questions of
 Questions & Answers
 1.  Posted on : 2.4.2010  By  :  Peter bell , sarosota,Florida View Answer (1) Post Answer
 

Is a aster plant a monocot or dicot.

 
A1: 

Aster is a dicot belonging to family Asteraceae

  Posted By :Vidhya Sankar. M , Madhya Pradesh | On 15.7.2011
 2.  Posted on : 7.11.2009  By  :  Rajesh Iyer , Baroda View Answer (0) Post Answer
 

I had purchased Aster plant around 3 months back. After the first set of flowers wilted, the plant stopped growing. Now the leaves are turning yellow. I want to know the life span of Aster plant. Will it wilt down altogether or survive the off season. What is the flowering month in India ? Does it bloom all year around ?

 
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