Aster Seeds - Smooth Blue

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 300

Packet Weight: 0.5g

Planting Season: After Last Frost

Sowing Method: Direct Seed

Seed Depth: 1/8"

Direct Seed Spacing: 4-6"

Soil Temperature: 70-75 ℉

Days to Sprout: 14-20

Mature Spacing: 18-24"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Sensitive

Days to Harvest: 2 Years

Production Cycle: Perennial

When to Seed Native Aster

Direct sow these seeds in early spring, when the soil is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike most natives, these seeds do not require stratification. While not necessary, they can also be started indoors and transplanted out. 

Where to Plant Native Aster

This aster is not picky and can be planted almost anywhere so long as they’re getting full sun. It is very adaptable to different soil types and moisture levels but will prefer well-draining soil that stays consistently moist. 

Growing Native Aster

Sow seeds ⅛ inch deep without fully covering the seed. Direct seed four to six inches apart, being ready to thin your seedlings to their mature planting distance of 18 to 14 inches. This perennial will flower in the second year and come back year after year. It will readily reseed and spread. 

Harvesting Native Aster

Native aster can be harvested for cut flowers or left to mature in the garden to benefit the many butterfly and moth species it is a host for.

In autumn, wait until the seed heads are brown and puffy. You can hand pick seeds from the pods and they will some away easily, or cut the entire branch off and place in a bag and shake vigorously to separate the seeds from the seed-heads. These seeds are small, and attached to parachute-like fluff that helps them disperse in the wind.