Flower Garden – Tips on Growing Aster From Seed

Sow Indoors

• Keep media moist and near saturation by watering before planting seed. Start 6-8 weeks before the last frost is expected.
• Do not cover or bury the seed, just press lightly into the wet soil,  as Aster seeds needs light for germination.
• Germination improves when you give the seed a cold treatment when seed is started indoors, place the seed in its seed tray outdoors at 40 degrees or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. After cold treatment start indoors at a temperature of 72-76ºF. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks.
• If you have high lights or a greenhouse you can start 8 weeks before your last frost.
• If you do not have high lights or a greenhouse you should start your seeds 12-14 weeks prior to your last frost.
• You can transplant the seedlings when they have 4 true leaves 2-3 inches apart.

To Direct Sow

• Do not cover or bury the seed, just press lightly into the wet soil,  as Aster seeds needs light for germination.
• Make sure that the soil temperature is at least 70ºF and the night temperatures do not go below 68ºF.
• Grow in full sun with an air temperature of at  least 68ºF.

USDA Hardiness Zone -First Frost Date- Last Frost Date

• Zone 1  -July 15th -June 15th
• Zone 2  -August 15th- May 15th
• Zone 3  -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 4  -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 5  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 6  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 7  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 8  -November 15th March 15th
• Zone 9  -December 15th February 15th
• Zone 10 -December 15th January 31st (sometimes earlier)
• Zone 11 _No frost. No frost.