HOW TO GROW BLUE ASTER  FROM SEEDS

The soil should be amended with compost before planting. The germination of asters may be uneven when they are grown from seed. Plant seeds in pots or flats in the winter and store them in the refrigerator for five to seven weeks to simulate winter dormancy. The colder weather stimulates germination. The best place to sow seeds in your home is a sunny spot where they will receive plenty of sunlight. Newly-planted plants should be planted outdoors once frost has passed. Based on the type and size of the plant, asters should be spaced one to three feet apart. 

CARE FOR BLUE ASTER WITH WHITE HEART AFTER GERMINATION

Make sure plants receive plenty of water when they are planted. To prevent weeds and keep the soil cool, mulch the soil after planting. If you don't receive more than 1 inch of rain per week during the summer, water your tiny plants frequently. Despite this, many asters are moisture-sensitive; if they receive too much or too little moisture, their leaves will often drop off, or they will not bloom. Watch for stressed plants and change how you water them if your plants are losing flowers. Make sure tall varieties are supported so they won't fall over.

USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLUE ASTER 

Young leaves of the plant were boiled lightly and eaten as greens. The roots of the plant were used in soups. The Iroquois used a combination of aster, bloodroot, and other medicinal plants as laxatives in the past. Topically, aster root was used by the Ojibwa for headaches. Asters and goldenrods attract a lot of pollinating insects during the late season. During the winter, they provide shelter and food for birds and small animals that eat the seeds and seek refuge in the dried stalks.

Note: Information provided for guidance only, as cultural practices and climatic circumstances vary.

Specifications:

• Product: Blue Aster With White Heart Seeds
• Season: Late spring
• USDA Zones: 4-8
• Maturity: 4-6 Weeks
• Soil Type: Loamy soil
• Temperature: 18° - 21° degrees Celsius
• Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum ericoides
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Tribe: Astereae
• Genus: Aster
• Type: White Heart
• Use: Beneficial Flower