Free Shipping on $50+ orders!

Basket

Showy Aster Seeds

Aster spectabilis

5.00 (1 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow the Aster Spectabilis seed in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, the showy aster seed must be stratified first by mixing it with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. 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 14-20 days. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.

Growing: This showy aster plant prefers full sun or partial shade and medium soil, though it adapts to almost any soil from moist to dry. It tolerates drought, though it grows best with regular watering; young plants especially need regular moisture. As the plant grows taller, it tends to become top heavy and may need support or staking. The lower leaves have a tendency to wither in dry weather. Keep weeds under control, since this plant does not like competition. Mature plants will benefit from division after two or three years of growth. Cut the stalks down to the ground at the end of the growing season for easier growth in the spring. The flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies, providing a valuable source of nectar in late fall.

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 Aster Spectabilis seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Eastern Showy Aster, Purple Wood Aster, Seaside Aster

Latin Name: Aster spectabilis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 75,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Showy Aster Seeds 5.0
Review By Michaela

Quick shipping

The seeds came in the mail so quickly and they look high quality. I haven't planted yet, but look forward to seeing how they turn out.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~1,750 Seeds) $3.48 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $11.20 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~75,000 Seeds) $32.00 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $128.00 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

This New England native has become endangered in some states, though it can be found occasionally in coastal, sandy areas or open woods. Adaptability to almost any soil makes Aster Spectabilis an excellent choice for gardens or prairie plantings.
This New England native has become threatened or endangered in some states, though it can still be found occasionally in coastal, sandy areas or open pine woods. Its bright, unusually large blooms and adaptability to almost any soil make it an excellent choice for home gardens or prairie plantings. Originally from the Greek language, "aster" means "star." At one time, asters were called starworts, frost flowers, or Michaelmas daisies; in spite of their daisy-like petals, asters are actually diminutive members of the sunflower family. In the language of flowers, these starry blossoms symbolize elegance or daintiness. They make a traditional gift for birthdays in the month of September, or for 20th wedding anniversaries.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow the Aster Spectabilis seed in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, the showy aster seed must be stratified first by mixing it with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. 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 14-20 days. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.

Growing: This showy aster plant prefers full sun or partial shade and medium soil, though it adapts to almost any soil from moist to dry. It tolerates drought, though it grows best with regular watering; young plants especially need regular moisture. As the plant grows taller, it tends to become top heavy and may need support or staking. The lower leaves have a tendency to wither in dry weather. Keep weeds under control, since this plant does not like competition. Mature plants will benefit from division after two or three years of growth. Cut the stalks down to the ground at the end of the growing season for easier growth in the spring. The flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies, providing a valuable source of nectar in late fall.

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 Aster Spectabilis seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Eastern Showy Aster, Purple Wood Aster, Seaside Aster

Latin Name: Aster spectabilis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 75,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 1 reviews
5.0

Review By Michaela

Quick shipping

The seeds came in the mail so quickly and they look high quality. I haven't planted yet, but look forward to seeing how they turn out.

Also Consider These:

  • On Sale! Sky Blue Aster Seeds Aster azureus Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • On Sale! Heath Aster Seeds Aster ericoides Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • Smooth Blue Aster Seeds Aster laevis Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • New England Aster Seeds Aster novae-angliae Quick View

    Starting at $3.48 USD
  • On Sale! Aromatic Aster Seeds Aster oblongifolius Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • On Sale! White Upland Aster Seeds Aster ptarmicoides Quick View

    Starting at $3.48 USD
  • Swamp Aster Seeds Aster puniceus Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • Arrow Leaved Aster Seeds Aster sagittifolius Quick View

    Starting at $3.75 USD
  • On Sale! Silky Aster Seeds Aster sericeus Quick View

    Starting at $3.96 USD