Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
New England Aster is a stunning late-blooming perennial that produces a burst of purple, pink, or blue daisy-like flowers from late summer through fall. A favorite among pollinators, it attracts bees and butterflies, making it a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden. This resilient plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils but can tolerate clay and occasional wet conditions. Growing up to 4 feet tall, it’s perfect for adding height and color to borders or naturalized areas. If you’re looking to extend your garden’s blooming season into the fall, New England Aster is a fantastic choice!
NAME: Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
VARIETY: New England
DAYS TO MATURITY: 110+ days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 8
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun – Partial Sun
SOIL: Average-rich, well-draining soils with a pH 5.3 – 6.5
PLANT HEIGHT: 48 – 60 inches
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches apart
TEMP: 40 – 90ºF
These seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination. If direct sowing in the fall, artificial stratification isn’t necessary as the natural winter cold will fulfill this need.
To stratify, place seeds in a plastic bag with a small amount of moist sand, vermiculite, or a damp paper towel. Make sure the medium is damp but not soaked.
Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30-60 days at 34-40°F.
Periodically check to ensure the medium remains moist during the stratification period.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in cell trays filled with a well-draining seed starting mix.
Keep soil temperatures between 65-70°F. Germination should occur in 10-21 days.
After seedlings emerge, thin to one per cell, and continue to grow in a bright, cool area.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Direct sow outdoors in early spring, 2 weeks before the last frost, or in the fall.
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost.
Press seeds 1/8 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 10-14 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 12-18 inches apart.
Light: Full sun is ideal, but New England Asters will tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Prefers moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil, enriched with compost.
Water: Water regularly to maintain moist soil; established plants can tolerate brief dry spells.
Fertilization: Lightly fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, if desired.
Pruning: Pinch back stems in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead regularly to extend blooming time.
Support: Stake tall plants if needed, especially in windy areas.
Decorative Use: Harvest flowers once they are fully open and vibrant, generally from late summer through fall.
New England Asters add beauty to both fresh and dried arrangements, and cutting flowers regularly can encourage further blooming
