Pot and bedding - Astilbe arendsii

Best seller 2009
Astilbe arendsii
"Astary® Mix"
Flowering period: March - August

Height 25 - 50 cm
Spread: 25 - 50 cm
Habit: Spherical
Flower type: Spiked
Leaf Color Light Green
Placement: Full sun to partial shade
Water High to medium
Fertilizer need: Medium to low
Plant type: Perennial

Class Best seller 2009

ASTILBE ARENDSII, GARDEN SPIREA 'Astary® Mix'

'Astary'® is the world's first Astilbe that does not need vernalization for flowering. Naturally compact,'Astar'® reaches 8-10" (20-25 cm) in the pot and remains compact in the garden.'Astar'® Astilbe can be grown year round. As a spring perennial,'Astar'® fits nicely into quart or gallon production. As an indoor flowering pot 'Astary' ® can be forced year round in 4-5" (10-12 cm) pots that can be planted into the garden after being enjoyed in the home.

Unlike vegetativ material that flowers over a wide time span, 'Astary'® Astilbe flower uniformly and can be 'bench run' for economical greenhouse production. The attractive deep, glossy green leaves and airy flower plumes of 'Astary'® add elegance to any setting. The graceful flowers last for an extended period both outside in shady locations and in the home or office. The delicate flowers last for 4-6 weeks providing extended color and ambience to low light settings. Available in three colors and a formula mix. Available in pelleted seed form.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:   Perennial

Garden Height:   25 cm     9,84 inch

Crop Time:   Plugs: 8-9 weeks; Non-flowering plants: 10-12 weeks; Flowering pots and containers: 20-23 weeks without vernalization

Sell Period:   March-August; Plugs - Finished Plants; Young plant delivery: week 49 for flowering plants in week 10-11, week 6 for flowering plants in week 17, week 18 for flowering plants from week 32 on

Seed Count:   16949 K/g

Growing On:   First transplant: After 3-4 weeks, transplant into growing trays (3-4 cm cells). Final transplant: After 6-10 weeks, pot using one plug (one plant) per 10-12 cm pot.

Media:   Use a friable, coarse-fibered perennial media containing 10-20 % clay, 0-15 % organic matter (such as wood chips or bark humus), a multiple balanced fertilizer at 1-1.5 kg per m³, Radigen at 100 g/m³, and a coated time release fertilizer (4-5 months) at 3-4 kg; pH value: 5.5-6.0

Temperature:   15-18 °C. Non-frost-free overwintering: Cover the plants with a non-woven cloth to protect against direct sunlight. Frost-free overwintering: 3-5 °C

Fertilization:   Heavy feeder. Apply 150-200 mg N per l of a balanced multiple fertilizer containing a high percentage of nitrate nitrogen. Ensure a good potassium supply. Avoid overfertilization with nitrogen. Use 1-2 applications of sequestered iron to avoid iron deficiency.

Cultural Hints:   Providing long days (14 h) in winter especially, reduces the crop time while increasing yields and significantly improving pot plant quality. Water and nutrient deficiencies will cause the flowers to get distorted and wither. Astilbes are intolerant of absolute drought. Drought stress will cause marginal necrosis. Provide supplemental lighting for plants that are to be sold before mid-May.

Hint:
The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.

Instructions
http://www.benary.com/data/documents/Instructions1.pdf

FastraX Folder International
http://www.benary.com/index.cfm/startid/153.html