Aster Seeds,
Star Pastel Mix

Star Pastel Mix is a tender annual, so nothing goes outdoors until your last frost has passed. Sow it in spring where it is to grow, or start plants indoors several weeks ahead and set them out carefully once frost danger is over. Cover the seed with about 1/4 inch of soil; it sprouts in 10-14 days. Give each plant 6-12 inches of room in full sun and rich soil. Count on 90-120 days before those sea urchin blooms open, which is why the indoor start is worth the trouble in a short-summer garden. Keep removing spent blooms and the plants keep flowering.

• Seeds germinate in 10-20 days.
• Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct seed outdoors after last frost.
• Ideal germination temperature is 70 F.
• Special note: When sowing your own saved seed, it is helpful to stratify (cold treat) seeds for 2 weeks before sowing.

• Prefers full sun to light shade, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture.
• Space plants to 8-12 inches apart.
• Plants will not rebloom after cutting.
• Succession plant every few weeks for continuous blooming.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Asters can be susceptible to disease and pests.

• Asters Yellow is a bacteria that is transmitted by leafhoppers. This bacterium has virus-like symptoms and is not treatable, but it can be prevented by covering plants with row cover until bloom time to keep the hoppers off of your plants when they are young and most vulnerable.
• Rust and Botrytis, aka gray mold, are both caused by excessive moisture at the crown of the plant; avoid this by spacing plants 12 inches apart and keeping the garden weeded to encourage better airflow. Serenade is an organically approved spray that will treat fungal issues such as rust and mold.

• China asters are insect pollinated; they can become cross-pollinated if not grown in isolation of at least 1/4 mile or caged with bags over the blooms and hand-pollinated to prevent insects from meddling and crossing pollen.
• Seeds are ready to harvest as soon as they become fuzzy. Cut plants and hang dry over a tarp to catch the seeds.
• Seeds will remain viable for up to 3 years.