Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

In a full spectrum of color, these old fashioned favorites add a bit of nostalgia to garden beds. Fragrant, long-blooming, and loved by all pollinators, Aster is a great choice for cut flowers and garden beds alike.

How to Grow Aster from Seed

Bed Preparation

Single rainbow aster is a cool season annual that prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils

Planting

Direct sow outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 70-75°F. Seeds require light for germination. Sow seeds 1/8" deep. Seeds will germinate in 8-10 days. Space so that mature plants are 8-12" apart. For a continual bloom, seed every two weeks during the growing season.

Harvest

Single rainbow asters flower from summer to fall. Harvest cut flowers anytime during this flowering period. Remove dead flower heads regularly to promote blooms through the season.