Aster Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

Hardy Annual

• Flowers in : July to September
• Ideal for : Borders, Containers
• Height : 12 inches - 20 inches

Description

Looks like a perennial Michaelmas Daisy, but is an annual producing a mass of violet-blue single flowers during the summer. Also known as Prairie Aster it blooms over a long period adding late summer to early autumn colour to borders. Attractive addition to large containers on a sunny patio.

Sowing Instructions

Sow February to April. Sow seed on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Cover the seed with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.