Bigelow's Aster Seeds
Machaeranthera biglovii
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow Machaeranthera Bigelovii seeds in late fall, planting them on the surface. 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. Germination usually takes place within 14-21 days.
Growing: Keep seedlings watered until they become established. Mature plants are extremely drought tolerant and will not need watering. This plant provides erosion protection, competes well with weeds, and attracts butterflies.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
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 Machaeranthera Bigelovii seeds as well as possible, then store them in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bigelow's Tansyaster
Latin Name: Machaeranthera biglovii
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 83,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow Machaeranthera Bigelovii seeds in late fall, planting them on the surface. 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. Germination usually takes place within 14-21 days.
Growing: Keep seedlings watered until they become established. Mature plants are extremely drought tolerant and will not need watering. This plant provides erosion protection, competes well with weeds, and attracts butterflies.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
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 Machaeranthera Bigelovii seeds as well as possible, then store them in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bigelow's Tansyaster
Latin Name: Machaeranthera biglovii
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 83,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall