Flat Topped Aster Seeds
Aster umbellatus
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow the flat topped aster wildflower 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 60 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 14-20 days. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.
Growing: This Aster Umbellatus plant prefers full sun and wet to medium soil, and also grows well in clay or sandy soil. It tolerates some drought, but will need occasional watering in dry weather; young plants especially need moisture to become established. The lower leaves may 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. These flat topped aster wildflowers will slowly reseed themselves and spread by rhizomes, forming a colony over time if volunteer plants are not removed. 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 flat topped aster wildflower seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Tall Flat-topped White Aster, Parasol Aster, Cornel-Leaf Whitetop
Latin Name: Aster umbellatus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 67,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 48 Inches
Color: Cream
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 flat topped aster wildflower 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 60 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 14-20 days. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring.
Growing: This Aster Umbellatus plant prefers full sun and wet to medium soil, and also grows well in clay or sandy soil. It tolerates some drought, but will need occasional watering in dry weather; young plants especially need moisture to become established. The lower leaves may 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. These flat topped aster wildflowers will slowly reseed themselves and spread by rhizomes, forming a colony over time if volunteer plants are not removed. 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 flat topped aster wildflower seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Tall Flat-topped White Aster, Parasol Aster, Cornel-Leaf Whitetop
Latin Name: Aster umbellatus
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 67,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 48 Inches
Color: Cream
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Fall, Blooms Late Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers
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