When Do You Plant Aster Seeds?

Aster flowers attract butterflies.

Aster, or Michaelmas daisy, provides a burst of fall color in flower beds. This daisy-like perennial blooms in shades of white, pink and blue, and the flower attracts butterflies to the garden. Asters are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Growing Outdoors

Plant aster seeds in spring, once the threat of frost has passed. Till or loosen soil prior to planting and space asters 1 to 3 feet apart. Plant seeds in a lightweight potting mix at a depth that is twice as deep as the seed is wide. Mist seeds daily with a spray bottle, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet.

Growing Indoors

Plant aster seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost. Determine when the last frost will occur in your area or simply follow zone-specific directions on seed packets. Indoors, asters germinate within five to 10 days. For best results, keep the temperature around 70 degrees F.

Considerations

Asters are a perennial plant. If planted and cared for properly the first time, they should return and thrive year after year.

References

• National Gardening Association: Plant Care Guides: Aster
• North Carolina State University: Starting Plants from Seeds
• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Aster Production and Consumer Care
• Kids Garden News: Seed (Sexual) Propagation