How to Grow a Matsumoto Aster Flower
The "Matsumoto" series of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) is a fast-growing annual with long, sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers. Native to East Asia, the Matsumoto aster was developed in Japan, and is prized among home gardeners and commercial floral growers. With a variety of styles, including single, double and semi-double blooms, and colors ranging from white to pink, red, blue and yellow, Matsumoto asters are well suited for both fresh and dried flower arrangements. Like other China asters, they do well in the USDA Plant Hardiness zones 2 to 12 and bloom until winter in frost-free climates. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden rake
- Spade
- Organic compost
- Organic fertilizer low in nitrogen
- Garden stakes
- Garden ties
- Garden clippers
Instructions
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1
Prepare a planting bed. An ideal location will have well-draining soil and receive full sun or partial shade each day. Clear rocks, sticks and rake debris from the planting area.
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2
Remove the plant from the container by tapping lightly on the bottom. Loosen the root ball gently, taking care not to break fragile roots.
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3
Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole. Fill in around the hole with soil and press firmly with your fingers to secure the plant. Dig the planting holes at least 8 to 15 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
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4
Apply a 1-inch layer of organic mulch in a 6-inch diameter around the base of the aster. The mulch will provide nutrients and help with water retention.
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5
Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to the packaging instructions.
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6
Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not sopping wet. Continue to water regularly whenever the surface of the soil begins to dry. Matsumoto asters require more watering in climates with hot, dry summers.
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7
Insert plant stakes approximately 2 inches from the aster root ball immediately after planting. Secure the stems to the stake when the plants begin to flower. Tie the plants loosely to avoid damaging the stems. Tall stems will break or fall over if not properly staked.
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Tips & Warnings
Deadhead the spent flowers as they die by cutting them off close to the plant base. Cut any dead plant stems down to the ground in the winter.
Reapply organic fertilizer and compost in the spring.
Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen. High nitrogen content promotes disease development.
To avoid disease, do not replant Matsumoto asters in an area where one has previously died.
