The name ASTER comes from an ancient Greek word meaning star, pointing to the shape of the flower head. The two most popular types of Asters are New England Aster and China Aster. Asters are bisexual, with both a pistil and stamens. Their flower is actually a collection of very small tubular flowers that are grouped together in a central disk, and finally surrounded by ray flowers. Often times, the disk flowers are a different color than the petals, meaning that the whole flower head looks like a single flower with the center disk being surrounded by different colored petals.
When & Where to Plant
Asters prefer full sun or partial shade. Their ideal climate has cool, moist summers so, in warmer climates avoid areas with too much hot mid-day sun. Be sure to use rich, evenly moist, and well-draining soil. The flowers thrive in beds, borders, cutting gardens, containers, and cottage gardens.
Asters should be planted after the last frost of the spring. To start your seeds indoors, get them going about 6-8 weeks before you are ready to transplant them outdoors. When selecting a location to grow asters, look for an area with full sun (6 - 8 hours of sun per day) to partial sun (4 - 6 hours of sun per day). Be sure you don't choose an area where the soil readily dries out. For seedlings that were sown indoors, transplant into the garden 6-8” apart. To direct sow the seeds, spread them across the surface of moistened soil. Repeat this process several times every 10 - 14 days to ensure you have an extended blooming season.
How to Plant
Sow seeds 1/8" deep and place them in a sunny spot in your home if starting indoors. Transplant seedlings after the last frost has passed, spacing your seedlings 6-8" apart. Water generously and add mulch to keep soil cool and prevent weeds.
Caring for Asters
Maintaining asters is not difficult. However, it is important to not let the soil dry out. It is a good idea to mulch around each plant to keep weeds at bay and retain the moisture levels. If any taller flower stalks begin to fall over, the use of a stake should be considered. Do your best not to crowd aster, as to ensure good airflow between the plants. Planting your asters in different locations each year helps to reduce the spread of any potential pests or disease.
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