Autumn Aster or Daisy care

It is the perfect companion for those who do not want to give up the beauty of daisies in the months when the cold begins. She is not only beautiful: in addition, the care of the Autumn Aster or Daisy makes it easy to enjoy, and a lot! of her beauty. Resistant, long-lasting and colourful, it is also a rustic plant that flourishes with hardly any demands. A perfect ally to fill our exterior with color and life during the fall but also the rest of the year since its foliage is perennial.

Also called Starry Sky and Daisy of Scotland, it is native to central and eastern North America. Its main attraction is its flowering, which occurs from late summer until well into winter. Its flowers, with a spiky stem, are characterized by being narrow and more pointed than the classic Margarita. A fact that gives, precisely, its name to this plant since the translation of the Latin term Aster is star.

For its beauty and generosity in bloom, this Autumn Daisy is a must in the gardens in the fall and winter months. And not only because it is resistant, but there is one more reason to have it: the color range of its flowers, which range from white to blue through pink or violet.

5 FUNDAMENTAL ASTER CARE FOR YOUR WELL-BEING

The first thing we should know about the Aster Daisy is that it belongs to that family of perennial plants that live for around two years. Just take a look at what perennial plants are to understand, to a large extent, the characteristics of this herbaceous plant that, depending on the species, can even have a creeping appearance. Knowing this detail will prevent us from getting upset. And it is that, like any other perennial, the Aster can apparently disappear with the arrival of frosts and the most rigorous cold to regrow again in the spring months.

Due to its origins, the care of the Aster is extremely simple. What’s more: we could well say that it is a plant that takes care of itself as long as it is planted outdoors and in the ground. But, despite that rusticity that marks its nature, it is essential to know how to grow it properly, keeping one thing in mind: if we are looking for cold-resistant perennial plants, the Aster is a perfect choice. Depending on the variety, it can withstand up to -18 degrees.

1. A bright location, essential for flowering

In order to display its characteristic flowers, the Aster requires a good degree of light. Let’s not confuse this with direct sun since, especially in the summer months, it is not recommended that it receive direct sunlight.

For this reason, and especially if we plant it directly in the ground, we must carefully plan what type of light it will receive in the hot months.

2. A fertile soil with good drainage, the main thing in the care of the Aster

Since it is a rustic species, we could say that the Aster can grow in any type of soil. And power, can. However, if we want to ensure the well-being of our plant and enjoy its flowering, it is essential to plant it in a well-aerated substrate enriched with earthworm humus. Only in this way will our plant prosper in conditions. In addition, and if we have it planted in a pot, it will not hurt to mix the substrate with 30% perlite.

It is not the only aspect that we must take care of when it comes to the floor. Despite the fact that its demand for water in flowering months is greater, the Aster does not get along with excess water. For this reason, it is crucial to provide it with good drainage that allows us to promote the correct evacuation of excess irrigation.

3. A regular subscription, important for its development

Fundamental in the care of the Aster. This beautiful Autumn Daisy needs that, from the summer until well into the autumn, we apply a regular pattern of organic fertilizer.

To do this, the ideal is to know in depth how to use worm humus correctly and use this organic amendment.

4. A moderate irrigation, key

The water pattern is one of the cares of the Aster that we must closely monitor, and the reason is simple: it varies substantially depending on the moment of its vegetative cycle. But, regardless of the month of the year, let’s have one thing clear: it is a plant that does not support drought or flooding.

For this reason, watering should be moderate and frequent, but always checking the state of the soil beforehand. And we are not referring to just checking the surface: we will have to check if the lower layers of substrate are wet before watering again.

In addition, and with the arrival of the cold, it is important to gradually lower the irrigation schedule so that our plant can accommodate the drop in temperatures without any surprises.

5. A special eye to fungal diseases, crucial in the care of the Aster

Although, in general terms, it is not one of the cares for the Aster that has to worry us the most, we cannot leave it aside. Although this daisy is highly resistant to pests, it is not so resistant to one of the garden’s quintessential fungi: powdery mildew. A disease that manifests itself through a whitish powder on the leaves, and that can kill our Margarita Aster.

Avoiding it happens by using a fungicide that stops the advance of the disease, and eradicates any option of propagation in our plant.

And ready! As you can see, Aster care is simple and perfectly affordable for any gardening lover. A good reason not to give up its display of life and natural color.