England Aster Seeds

The England Aster, a variety of the classic aster flower, is known for its vibrant, colorful blooms that bring a cheerful and elegant touch to any garden. This variety boasts strong, upright growth with abundant, multi-petaled flowers in various shades, including pink, purple, red, and white. Perfect for late-season color, the England Aster thrives in flower beds, borders, and containers, adding a lovely pop of color to gardens that extend into the fall.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Flowers: Features colorful blooms in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, red, and white, providing a brilliant display of color in the garden.
• Late Season Blooms: Flowers bloom in late summer to fall, extending the growing season and offering a burst of color when many other plants are finishing.
• Attracts Pollinators: Excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Long-Lasting Cut Flowers: England Asters make great cut flowers, lasting in bouquets for up to a week.
• Hardy and Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various soil types and relatively low-maintenance once established.

Variety Features

• Flower Type: Aster flowers are typically daisy-like with multiple layers of petals, offering a fuller appearance.
• Plant Height: England Asters grow to a height of 18-24 inches, making them perfect for the middle of flower beds or container gardens.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late summer through fall, providing color and interest well into the cooler months.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Spring to Early Summer: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly sow seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.

Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Full sun is ideal for England Asters, but they can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. Aim for 6 or more hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Add organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Details

• Seed Preparation: Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep. For indoor starts, transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when the plants have a few sets of leaves.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but ensure good drainage as asters do not thrive in soggy soil. Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, or add compost to improve soil fertility. Asters prefer well-balanced soil but are not heavy feeders, so avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to more foliage than flowers.

Pruning

• Pinch back the plants in the early spring to encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding too much.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest flowers early in the morning when they are fully open, but before the petals start to fade. Cut stems about 2-3 inches above the ground for continued growth.
• Storage: Place cut asters in fresh water immediately after harvesting and change the water every few days to keep the blooms fresh.

Storage

• Drying: Asters can be dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry location. Once dried, they can be used for crafts or decorative arrangements.
• Vase Care: Fresh cut asters can last up to a week in a vase with proper care. Trim stems regularly and change the water frequently to extend their life.

Culinary Uses

• While typically grown for ornamental purposes, asters can be used as a garnish for salads, desserts, and other dishes, adding a pop of color to your meals.

Conclusion

England Aster Seeds are perfect for gardeners looking to add vibrant, late-blooming flowers to their landscape. With their cheerful hues and sturdy growth, they’re ideal for creating a long-lasting display of color from summer into fall. Whether used in garden beds, borders, or as cut flowers, England Asters are a low-maintenance yet rewarding addition to any garden.