Reasons that speak for a cut
Asters can become real giants in the perennial bed. They like to take a stature height of 150 cm and are not modest in width. That is also the first reason why a cut is not a mistake: the growth is stopped. You keep your aster small and fine with the right cut. But that only applies to perennial species.
also read
- Where, when and how to plant asters
- Asters care: watering, fertilizing, overwintering, cutting and Co.
- Asters: Are These Ornamental Perennials Poisonous?
Here are other reasons that (can) make cutting important:
- Use as a cut flower
- Extension of the flowering period
- Prevention of self-sowing
- Saving energy
- rejuvenation
- Obtaining cuttings for propagation
Radical cut in spring
In the spring, you should cut your asters back radically to just above the ground. Conventional secateurs are sufficient for this. You shouldn't make this radical cut in autumn! If you cut down the perennial in autumn, you will take away its shoots, which protect it from frostbite and moisture in winter.
Treat yourself to a makeover every 3 to 4 years
Over the years asters become lazy to flower. It is not just a division of the root that helps. You should also surface rejuvenate the perennial every 3 to 4 years. To do this, parts of the plant that are very lignified and appear old are simply completely removed.
Cut off old flowers regularly during flowering
Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter aster - if you cut off the old flowers of the plant regularly during the flowering period, new flowers will emerge. In addition, the aster does not have to invest unnecessary energy in the production of seeds. She remains more blooming.
A summer cut to encourage better branching
A cut in summer is also recommended for rough-leaf and smooth-leaf asters. Cut back the plants by a third around June. They then branch out better and there is more space for flowers.
Cut to get cuttings
Last but not least, you can use scissors to get shoots for cuttings. That's how it's done:
- Cut off 10 cm long shoots
- remove lower leaves
- put in pots with potting soil (preferably a mix of sand and soil)
- Moisten the substrate
- Put a plastic bag over it
- pay attention to uniform moisture
- poorly hardy in the first winter, therefore overwinter
- plant out in May
Tips
As cut flowers, asters can be kept for a long time in the vase. But don't be too cocky! Astern blossoms are an important pasture for bees in autumn.
