Planting and Care Instructions Astilbe for Pot Culture

Upon arrival

Open all cartons/crates immediately after arrival, as the plants need fresh air. Always check plants directly after arrival and take notes of possible problems. If there are any problems, be sure to contact your sales representative immediately. Plants should be planted as soon as possible after arrival. Growers should have greenhouse space, pots and planting medium ready. (Check bottom of confirmation for approximate arrival date). If plants cannot be planted immediately they should be stored in a cool location, preferably at a temperature around 35F. Also make sure that you keep the cartons out of the sun and from too much ventilation, plants dry out very quickly.

Do not store the plants in closed boxes, as this will create condensation and might cause the roots to start rotting. If you detect this problem, make sure you take these plants out of the boxes. You cannot store these roots any longer they have to be potted immediately.

General growing info

After planting a bare root Astilbe in spring, it will take about 8-10 weeks before the plant is ready to be sold. Whether the plant already flowered after this period depends on the cultivar. Astilbe 'Deutschland' for instance will flower early, 'Peach Blossom' and 'Fanal' usually take a little longer and 'Bridal Veil' will flower even a little later.

Soil

Astilbes prefer a pH range about 5.8 to 6.2. We suggest using any bark-based, well-drained, commercial soil-less mix.

Planting and Maintenance

We advise to use a 2Qt or gallon container. Use a pot that corresponds with the size of the roots. Giving roots the space they need will allow plants to reach their optimum size and quality. Roots may be trimmed to fit the pot if absolutely necessary. Plants can be placed pot to pot until growth reaches beyond the pot. Thereafter, space plants to prevent elongation and thin growth.

Light Conditions

Astilbes need partial to full shade. Plants should be shaded during periods of high light intensity. We recommend a 30% shade cloth at 65-70 degrees.

Watering

Directly after planting the roots, water the plants thoroughly. Then do not water until the soil starts to become dry, or at the dry side of moist. The most critical growing factor for Astilbes is water. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and plumes mature. Plants should never be allowed to dry out. If the margins of the leaves turn brown and crispy, the plants are not being kept moist enough. Try to avoid watering after mid-afternoon. 

Fertilization and growth control:

Feeding is generally not necessary during the first few weeks of production. When actively growing, Astilbes are moderate feeders requiring a controlled-release fertilizer incorporated at a rate equivalent to 1 lb. of nitrogen per yard of growing medium or 50-100 ppm nitrate delivered under a constant liquid fertilizer program. Astilbes are sensitive to high salts and may become scorched and have damaged roots if the soluble salt levels are allowed to build up. To control plant height on taller cultivars, apply B-Nine as a foliar spray (two 5000ppm applications one week apart) soon after inflorescences begin to elongate. Timing is important, growth regulator are ineffective at limiting plant height when they were applied prior to inflorescence elongation.

Temperature:

Grow Astilbes at 55-60 degrees F for the first week. Increase temperature to speed flowering or lower temperature to delay flowering.

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