Astra of the KATENKA variety is an early-mid-season variety with a compact, column-shaped bush reaching heights of 55 to 60 cm. The plant features sturdy flower stalks and can simultaneously bear 9 to 24 double inflorescences with diameters of 7-10 cm. The flowers have a cream-white or bluish tint with a yellowish center at the beginning of blooming; the ligule flowers are initially rolled into a tube, then open into a boat shape, forming a beautiful collar. Bushes have a diameter of up to 25-30 cm and are suitable for creating high borders, mixed flower beds, and group plantings on lawns, as well as being excellent for cutting and decorative landscaping.
For successful cultivation of the KATENKA variety, it is recommended to choose well-lit areas protected from wind with fertile loamy, sandy loam, or drained neutral soil. Cultivation is usually conducted via seedlings: seeds are sown in March-April, pricked out when the first pair of true leaves appears according to a 5x5 cm scheme, and seedlings are transplanted into open ground from mid-May to early June with a distance between plants of 20-35 cm depending on the variety's height. Winter sowing of seeds in late October at a depth of 5-8 cm with subsequent mulching with peat or sawdust is also possible.
The KATENKA variety features an elegant appearance and high decorative quality, making it in demand for flower bed decoration and cutting. Large double inflorescences with dense flower arrangement create an eye-catching bouquet that looks wonderful both in the garden and in a vase. Due to its durability and attractiveness, Astra KATENKA will become a decoration for any site and delight gardeners with its early and abundant blooming.
