Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster) [25 Seeds]

$3.95

Germination Information: There’s conflicting advice about germinating smooth aster, so I recommend it only for gardeners who enjoy experimenting. I have not grown this species from seed myself—I just let my plants self-sow as they like—so I can only present you the options.

One approach is to surface-sow the seeds in fall to early winter, setting them outdoors in a spot protected from mice so they can get a natural chilling period and then germinate when conditions are right in spring.

It is also possible that these seeds could germinate in 2 to 3 weeks if you sow them in warm, moist, bright conditions. But if you try that and no seedlings appear after a month or so, then provide an artificial chilling period of about 2 months.

Note that this information will not be on the seed packet you receive.

Please read the description as well before ordering.

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Description

Smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve, formerly Aster laevis) is a lovely option in an outstanding genus of perennials for the fall garden.  With upright stems typically reaching 2 to 4 feet tall, it fits easily into beds and borders; it adapts to a range of soil conditions; and it’s usually not bothered by powdery mildew or other fungal diseases. The clouds of lavender-blue flowers appear in September and October, much to the delight of butterflies, and they combine beautifully with goldenrods (Solidago) and fall-colored deciduous trees and shrubs. Native to much of North America; these seeds are from wild plants growing in my meadow in Bucks County, PA.  Full sun. Perennial; Zones 3 to 8.

Collected in late October 2021. At least 25 seeds.

Please read the germination information as well before ordering.

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