Once planted and not contributing to well-being for years? none. Asters should be dug up and divided at the root area every few years. How does it work and why is a division so advisable?

Dividing asters is not just for reproduction; it is also healthy for the plant

Facts - why the division makes sense

There are several reasons why sharing asters makes sense:

  • to propagate the perennial
  • as a strengthening, among other things, to prevent diseases
  • to prevent aging/rejuvenation
  • to maintain flowering

When is the right time to share?

You should divide your asters every 2 to 3 years (at the latest every 4 years). When division is urgent, you'll recognize it by a plant that grows stunted and is sparsely adorned with flowers.

The right time to divide asters is generally after flowering. It is ideal if a transplant campaign was planned at the same time. The flowering time varies from species to species and from variety to variety:

  • Divide spring asters in summer
  • Divide summer asters in early fall
  • Divide fall asters in late fall or early spring

Only share vigorously grown and healthy asters!

You should not dig up freshly planted asters and then share them! The asters should have had at least 2 years to root and grow. They should be strong and big enough. It is also important that they are healthy.

Division of the perennial - step by step

First, the nest of the aster is dug up. A digging fork can serve you well here. The next step is to cut the clump into sections with a knife or, depending on the size of the root ball, with a spade. Each section should have at least one tuft of leaves.

Old leaves and lignified shoots are removed as they can become a burden when rooting. Cut back damaged roots cleanly with a knife! Now the sections only have to be planted. The location should be as follows:

  • sunny to semi-shady
  • protected
  • with a permeable and nutrient-rich soil

tips

Some species, such as the smooth-leaf aster, have such loose roots that you can simply pull them apart with your hands.

Category:

Vegetable garden