Samanta

Technical Variety Profile

The 'Samantha' aster is a selection development by the Institute of Horticulture of the NAAS, focused on premium-segment commercial production. As an annual crop, it directs its vegetative energy into forming a single, exceptionally large inflorescence.

Morphology and Growth Management

Its compact habit (30-50 cm in height) provides resistance to lodging without the need for additional stakes or growth regulators. This is a critical parameter for outdoor cultivation, where wind load can damage flower stems. Despite its modest height, the plant develops a robust root system capable of supporting a flower diameter of 10-15 cm.

Biological Flowering Traits

• Inflorescence structure: Dense petal arrangement ensures high transportability. When cut, the flower maintains turgor for 7-10 days under proper temperature conditions.
• Size range: The 10-15 cm diameter requires adequate nutrition. During the budding stage, the variety responds well to potassium-phosphorus fertilization, which is crucial for the saturation of the pink pigment.
• Application: The low center of gravity makes this variety an ideal solution for the foreground and mid-ground of flower beds, minimizing the risk of stem breakage under the weight of precipitation.

'Samantha' is a purely technical choice for those planning commercial cutting or landscaping for formal areas where a balance between inflorescence size and stem durability is essential.