The 'Ognisty Ptak' (Firebird) needle petal aster is a variety that develops vividly red flowers. The charming, large flower heads that consist of needle-shaped, twisted petals constitute a unique, eye-catching decoration of borders and flower beds. The petals tend to unwind at the later stage and therefore add a certain fluffiness to the already splendid inflorescences. The annual 'Firebird' needle petal aster grows up to 70 cm tall. Its long, erect stems are rather sparsely covered with foliage. But it is not the leaves that are responsible for the main ornamental value. That feature, though, allows you to grow asters for cut flowers that you can turn into fiery bouquets. The distinct, bright colouring and the size of the flowers offer unmatched decorative value that will make your garden immensely attractive even late in summer. The flowering period of this aster variety starts in July. The flowers develop continuously until autumn.

The needle asters grow well and develop beautiful flowers on a fertile, humous, preferably permeable sandy-loam soil. Sunny sites stimulate flower production. Asters do not like humid or waterlogging sites.

Asters should be grown from seedlings in our weather conditions. Direct sow is used less frequently. Sow the seeds onto a hotbed or into pots in March and April. The optimal germination temperature is circa 15⁰C. The seedlings need to be pricked out after the first pair of true leaves appears. The aster seedlings should be planted on the permanent site in the second half of May when the risk of frost is gone completely. Hardening the seedlings prior the transplantation is always recommended. The direct sow onto the beds can be performed from April onwards. Keep the plants 20 × 40 cm apart.

We recommend to remove the wilted inflorescences. This treatment stimulates plants to produce new flower buds and prevents fungal infections from developing.

One package contains 0.8 grams of seeds. The basic product information and the sow-by date can be found on the package.

• Height: 70 cm
• Use: ornamental
• Blooming time: July - autumn
• Growth form: erect
• Flower colour: red
• Vegetation form: annual
• Flower type: double
• Site: sunny; fertile, humous, permeable sandy-loam, not to humid soil
• Weight (in grams): 0.8 g