Valued for their late summer and autumn blooms, asters (Asteraceae), are versatile plants available in a variety of shapes and range of colors from pale pastels to bold colors. While some dwarf varieties top out at no more than 15 inches, giant types can reaches heights of up to 4 feet. Suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 4 through 9, asters are best transplanted as soon as new growth emerges in spring.
Clear a sunny spot for the transplanted asters. Spade the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches, and then work in 2 to 4 inches of organic material such as well rotted manure, leaf mulch or compost, along with a general purpose, granular garden fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 4 cups of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of growing space.
Water the plant the day before transplantation. A well-hydrated plant is healthier and tolerates the move better than a dry plant. In addition, moist soil clings to the roots, making transplantation easier.
Insert the tip of a spade straight into the ground approximately 8 to 12 inches from the plant. Rock the spade back and forth to loosen the roots. Repeat as you dig around the plant, and then lift the plant, along with a clump of attached soil, carefully from the ground.
Dig a hole in the new spot, with the width of the hole wide enough to easily accommodate the width of the soil clump.
Place the plant in the hole with the top of the soil clump even with the surface of the soil. Pat soil around the roots of the plant. Don't compress the soil, as compacted soil prevents air from circulating around the roots.
Water the plant deeply with a garden hose or watering can. Be sure the root zone is saturated. Thereafter, water the asters deeply enough to saturate the root zone whenever the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering prevents rot caused by soggy soil. While asters tolerate relatively dry soil, the soil should never be bone dry.
Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch such as compost, dry grass clippings or shredded bark around the plant. Mulch conserves soil moisture and helps keep weeds in check. Don't allow the mulch to pile against the plant, as covering the crown may cause the plant to rot.
Your Planting Articles
Things You Will Need
- Organic material
- General purpose garden fertilizer
- Garden hose or watering can
- Organic mulch
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