General
Hardy perennial plants that bloom late in the season. Some sources will list this plant as Aster novae-anglieae.
Latin
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 4-9
Timing
If starting indoors, vernalize your seeds by sowing them in pre-moistened, sterilized seed starting mix in trays. Place the trays in plastic bags and place in your refrigerator for 2 weeks. Remove from the fridge 6-8 weeks before planting out after last frost. On the coast you could start the process in February, remove them from the fridge in March, and then transplant outdoors mid to late April.
Or direct sow in early spring, when risk of frost is still likely. They can also be sown in the fall.
Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Once they are out of refrigeration, maintain a soil temperature of 21-25°C (70-75°F), and seeds should germinate in 14-36 days. Space plants 60cm (24") apart.
Growing
Pinch back young plants for bushier growth. Any garden soil will do, but less fertile soil will improve flowering. This variety is suitable for xeriscaping.
