Asters

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

Need some advice. Driving home from appointment, DH became enthralled with asters he saw at a garden center. We came home with three aster novi belgii plants in different colors.

We were told they are a perennial aster. Admittedly they are pretty, but asters just aren't my cup of tea. If I treat them like seasonal mums and pitch them after frost he'll be disappointed. I really don't want to plant them at this time. Does any know if I can overwinter in the pots in the garage.

Thanks

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

My yard is entirely rock. Over the years a lot of dirt blows in so there's plenty of soil. This time of year, I have lavender wild asters springing up all over the yard. They're weeds but they're very pretty. They never get any water; hasn't rained for months.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

@Allegheny Yes, I have left mine in the pots, winter-dormant in the garage. I tend them with watering while the weather is tolerable, but let them wilt when it gets darn cold. I cut them shorter to soil level or leave a bit sticking up and then put their pots in the garage.

Comes April (I'm in the northeast) I take the pots out from the dark chilly garage, i give them sun and water, and they revive and flourish. I can't say they live forever on this cycle, but I do get a few growing seasons to enjoy them without planting them in the ground. They stay in their pots and provide color.

I cannot say what variety they are. Your mileage may vary!

FancyPhillyshopper · ‎05-02-2017

Why did you buy the flowers if you do not really want to take care of them?

Perennials must be planted before the first frost so the roots can take and they can survive outside over the Winter.

Asters are cheerful flowers and should return every Fall.

I buy mums and put them outside on my porch during the Fall. Often I have tried to save them over the Winter in a bathtub, allowing them sunshine and regular watering. It is usually a losing battle (but I have a colder house).

I try not to think of plants as disposable--I do my best to care for them and save them.

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

@gizmogal Thanks so much for answering. I am in the NE also. Should I cut them back and bring in before frost, or can I cut back after frost. Do you water them at all while they are awaiting spring in the garage?

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

I haven't had good luck with mums coming back when planting them this late in the season. I expect it would be the same story with asters.

You have nothing to lose by over-wintering in the garage; they might make it. I would try to insulate the roots - by putting the pot inside another pot and insulating between them with leaves, needles, etc. I would water very sparingly - say, once a month, or every two or three weeks. You just don't want the roots to dry out and die.

JustJazzmom · ‎03-09-2010

Asters like mums bloom on new growth, so you can keep them from becoming leggy by cutting them back & keeping them short until July 4th.

In terms of overwintering in an unheated garage, yes you can do that, water once a month until you are able to plant them into the ground in the spring.

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

@Allegheny wrote:
@gizmogal Thanks so much for answering. I am in the NE also. Should I cut them back and bring in before frost, or can I cut back after frost. Do you water them at all while they are awaiting spring in the garage?

I wait until after it frosts. Doesn't have to literally "freeze". They'll wither pretty quick after that first series of cold days and nights. Then I trim then down.
No, don't water or feed while they are dormant. They do not need nutrients or any conditions for growing. Dark and cold over the winter is fine, good in a garage or basement. Wake 'em up in mid April in reasonable warmth ( when it's no longer going to snow!) and give them water once or twice. Takes about two weeks after that you will see real signs of life, so just wait and get a kick out of nature.

I do this with my Hosta, too, but they just stay asleep in their planter, not in the garage. Perennials come back with warmth, light and spring moisture. Give'em a nice winter nap and don't worry.