New England Aster
Planting Instructions
Aster novae-angliae, commonly known as New England Aster, is a beautiful and reliable late-season bloomer, providing a burst of color in the fall garden. Here's a guide to growing it from seed:
Site Selection
Sunlight: New England asters thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
Soil: They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic material to improve drainage. They tolerate a range of soil pH but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0).
Outdoor Sowing (Fall or Spring)
Timing:
Fall: Sow seeds in late fall, before the ground freezes. This allows seeds to naturally stratify over winter and germinate in spring.
Spring: Sow seeds after the last frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 60°F (15°C).
Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if needed.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds very shallowly, barely covering them with soil. They need light to germinate.
Spacing: Space seeds about 1 inch apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 1-2 feet apart to allow for mature plant size.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate. Once seedlings emerge, water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Indoor Starting (Spring)
Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
Stratification: New England aster seeds benefit from cold stratification to improve germination rates. You can mimic this process by:
Refrigerator Method: Place seeds in a moist paper towel or coffee filter, seal in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks.
Winter Sowing: Sow seeds in containers and leave them outdoors over winter to experience natural cold stratification.
Sowig: Sow seeds very shallowly in seed starting mix, barely covering them.
Germination: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist and provide bottom heat if possible (70-75°F or 21-24°C). Germination typically takes 1-3 weeks.
Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden after the last frost.
Scarification
Scarification, which involves nicking or scratching the seed coat to improve water absorption, is not typically necessary for New England aster seeds.
Maintenance Tips
Watering: Once established, New England asters are relatively drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering during dry periods.
Fertilizing: A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and fewer flowers.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Staking: Taller varieties may need staking to prevent them from flopping over, especially in rich soil or windy areas.
Pinching: Pinch back stems in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Deadheading: Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and encourage more blooms.
Division: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to control spread and rejuvenate plants.
Is Aster novae-angliae invasive?
New England asters are not considered invasive. They are clump-forming perennials that spread slowly over time. However, they can self-seed, so deadheading spent flowers is recommended if you want to prevent them from spreading.
Additional Notes
New England asters are a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
They are deer-resistant.
They provide beautiful fall foliage, turning a reddish-bronze color.
