Rice Button Aster Seeds
Aster dumosus
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow the seed in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, the seed must be stratified first by mixing it with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 30 days. To start the stratified seed indoors, sow it in a flat; keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should take place within 2-4 weeks. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.
Growing: This plant prefers dry or sandy soil, but also adapts well to moist soil. It tolerates drought well, but will thrive with occasional watering. Though it spreads over time, volunteer plants can easily be removed. Mature plants will benefit from division after two or three years of growth. These flowers attract bees and butterflies, especially Hairstreaks, Crescents, and Blues.
Harvesting: Asters make lovely cut flowers. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened.
Seed Saving: After flowering, the plant will produce seed heads containing small clusters of seed with white fluff. Since sparrows and goldfinches love to eat the seed, harvest it promptly to avoid loss. Cut the mature seed heads, or shake them into a container to remove the seed material. Clean the seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bushy Aster
Latin Name: Aster dumosus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 57,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: White, Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow the seed in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, the seed must be stratified first by mixing it with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 30 days. To start the stratified seed indoors, sow it in a flat; keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should take place within 2-4 weeks. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.
Growing: This plant prefers dry or sandy soil, but also adapts well to moist soil. It tolerates drought well, but will thrive with occasional watering. Though it spreads over time, volunteer plants can easily be removed. Mature plants will benefit from division after two or three years of growth. These flowers attract bees and butterflies, especially Hairstreaks, Crescents, and Blues.
Harvesting: Asters make lovely cut flowers. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened.
Seed Saving: After flowering, the plant will produce seed heads containing small clusters of seed with white fluff. Since sparrows and goldfinches love to eat the seed, harvest it promptly to avoid loss. Cut the mature seed heads, or shake them into a container to remove the seed material. Clean the seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bushy Aster
Latin Name: Aster dumosus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 57,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: White, Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers