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Supplemental care
and marketing tips: All types are multi-branched
with numerous relatively small flowers generally blue, white, yellow
or various shades of pink. Aster is often used as filler in arrangements
and bouquets.
Botanical name:
Aster spp.
Genus pronunciation: AS-ter
Common relatives: Mum, gerbera, lettuce,
chicory, endive and zinnia
Botanical fun facts:
Numerous species and cultivars have been grouped
into this one genus of Aster. The popularity of one species is so
great (A. ericoides 'Monte Casino') that this cultivar is included
above as a common name. Another common aster sold by florists is
the China aster or Callistephus chinensis.
Ethylene sensitive:
It is not ethylene sensitive.
Storage temperature
(three days or fewer): 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit
*
Storage temperature (more than three days): 32-34
degrees Fahrenheit *
(* Research
does not document the optimum storage temperature. Estimations are
based on plant origin, storage temperature information of similar
species and general observations.)
Purchasing hints:
Avoid specimens with yellowing leaves as this is
an indication of improper storage and/or growing conditions.
End-user life:
5 - 10 plus days (depending on species/cultivar)
Special concerns:
Special concerns: It is very difficult to make broad
flower care recommendations for asters because of the large number
of species and cultivars. For example, one species (A. Bigelovii,
more accurately known as Machaeranthera Bioaelovii), has an optimum
storage temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is over 10 degrees
warmer than most other species. Yellow foliage can occur, due to
excessive storage or poor growing conditions. As with most members
of the Compositae or aster family, immature flowers (ones harvested
too early) will generally not open properly.
Care and Handling
information is from the "Flower and Plant Care Manual",
Written by George Staby, Ph.D., Used with the permission of publisher,
The Society of American Florists, 1601 Duke St., Alexandria, VA.
22314-3406.
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