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Prairie Aster Seeds

Aster tanacetifolia

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow Prairie Aster wildflower seeds in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, Aster Tanacetifolia 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 Prairie Aster wildflower seeds 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 plant prefers full sun and dry soil, and grows well in rocky or sandy soil. It tolerates drought well, though young plants may need watering. As the plant grows taller, it tends to become top heavy and may need support or staking. The lower leaves may wither in dry weather. Keep weeds under control, since this plant does not like competition. This plant often reseeds itself. 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 Prairie Aster wildflower seeds as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Tanseyleaf Tanseyaster, Takhoka-Daisy, Tanseyleaf Aster, Tanseyleaf Goldenweed

Latin Name: Aster tanacetifolia

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas

Seeds per Ounce: 25,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

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

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~1,000 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~25,000 Seeds) $16.80 $15.95 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $48.00 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $180.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $810.00 Notify Me
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $1,440.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

Growing throughout most of the western United States, this aster especially thrives in desert areas. The ferny foliage produces bright blue and purple blooms.
Prairie Aster grows throughout most of the western United States, especially thriving in the desert areas of the southwest. In addition to its high tolerance of drought, this plant attracts many butterflies and birds. 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 Prairie Aster wildflower seeds in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once. If direct sown in the spring, Aster Tanacetifolia 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 Prairie Aster wildflower seeds 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 plant prefers full sun and dry soil, and grows well in rocky or sandy soil. It tolerates drought well, though young plants may need watering. As the plant grows taller, it tends to become top heavy and may need support or staking. The lower leaves may wither in dry weather. Keep weeds under control, since this plant does not like competition. This plant often reseeds itself. 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 Prairie Aster wildflower seeds as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Tanseyleaf Tanseyaster, Takhoka-Daisy, Tanseyleaf Aster, Tanseyleaf Goldenweed

Latin Name: Aster tanacetifolia

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Biennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas

Seeds per Ounce: 25,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

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