How to Grow Aster From Seed

The aster plant produces nonstop flowers throughout the summer months. The flower's name is derived from the Greek word for star and the plant's daisy-like blooms bear a striking resemblance to stars. The flowers come in a wide array of colors and make excellent cut specimens. A perennial, the aster is easy to start from seed and requires only minimal care once established. The aster plant will grow well in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.

Starter flat
Starter soil
Mister
Plastic bag

Instructions

- 1
  Start aster seeds indoors in the spring. Plant the seeds in starter flats 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost of the season. Fill the starter flat three-quarters full with starter soil. Make a furrow in the soil's surface. Sprinkle the seeds across the furrow and lightly cover with soil. Mist the soil lightly with water. Slip the flat into a clear plastic bag.
- 2
  Remove the plastic bag from the starter flat after the aster seeds germinate. Aster seeds take approximately 14 to 21 days to germinate. Place the flat in a sunny, south-facing window. Aster seeds germinate best when kept at 65 to 70 F.
- 3
  Transplant the aster seedlings outside when they are two to three weeks old. Choose a planting site in full sunlight. The planting site should have well-draining soil. The aster can tolerate a wide array of soils.
- 4
  Space aster plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Some asters get quite large, up to 2 feet in height, and some are classified as dwarfs, which rarely top 6 inches. Plant the aster seedlings at the same depth they were planted in their starter tray.
- 5
  Spread 2 inches of mulch across the soil. The mulch will help keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth. Water the aster plants regularly to keep the soil moist, but not water logged.
- 6
  Clip the aster to the ground in late fall. The aster will return in the spring.

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