Spring planting methods of astilba
Astilba is loved by all flower growers, without exception, because this absolutely unpretentious perennial not only has beautiful decorative leaves, but also blooms amazingly. Most varieties of the plant have a long flowering period and adorn the site all summer, and some bloom only for about a month, but their inflorescences are amazingly beautiful.
It is not at all difficult to grow astilba, it tolerates transplants well, quickly takes root and is actively growing. The best time to plant a perennial is spring, although autumn planting is also practiced. However, planting a plant in the fall is very risky, especially in regions with a cold climate, since there is a risk that it will not have time to grow strong enough before winter.
Astilba planting methods
When choosing a method of planting a plant, one very important nuance must be taken into account - the time of the first flowering directly depends on how to plant astilba in the spring.
There are three options for planting astilbe:
- Seeds... The longest and most laborious way. In March, sow seeds for seedlings. When they grow up, dive into separate containers. Astilba seedlings grow for a very long time, and at least a year will pass from the moment of sowing to planting in the ground. It will take another year for the bushes to grow and get stronger. Thus, flowering occurs only in the third year after sowing.
- Cuttings with a heel... This method allows you to bring flowering closer to the year. At the end of March, when young shoots appear, cut out last year's bud with a new shoot from the bush, while capturing part of the rhizome. Plant the heel stalk in nutrient soil in the greenhouse for rooting. It will be possible to plant it on a flower bed next spring, and the bush will bloom in mid-summer.
- By dividing the bush... The most popular breeding method, allowing you to see flowering directly in the year of planting. In early spring, dig an adult astilba bush and divide it into parts, leaving several buds and a small root (at least 5 cm) on each rhizome fragment. Plant the cuttings in holes at a distance of 30 cm. The first flowering will come in autumn.
The seed method of planting is not suitable for the propagation of varietal astilbe, since varietal traits are often not transferred to new plants.
Where is it better to plant and how to fertilize the soil
Astilba is very fond of moisture, so if there is a corner on the site where groundwater passes close to the surface of the earth, this is the place for her. In wet soil, flowering will be longer, and the bush itself will quickly increase in volume.
When it comes to lighting, most astilba varieties prefer partial shade. Such conditions are most similar to the natural habitat of a perennial. On the other hand, today there are many varieties of a flower that can actively bloom in the sun, which should be taken into account when choosing a place for planting.
To provide astilbe with the necessary amount of nutrients, a little humus, ash and bone meal, as well as complex mineral fertilizers (25 g each), must be put into the holes before planting.