Aster (New York) Growing Guide

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii and hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Well-rooted plants are hardy to -34°C (-30°F).

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants begin to grow tall in late spring or early summer. When growing autumn asters in containers, feed again in midsummer using a high phosphorous fertiliser intended to support strong blooming.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

New York asters can be grown from seed, but heavy-blooming improved cultivars are propagated vegetatively, by division or by rooting stem cuttings. Look for tall varieties for planting in spring, or obtain cuttings and root them in moist potting soil. Dwarf plants grown in containers are widely available in late summer, timed for autumn display. Young plants need water when they are actively growing, but avoid keeping the plants too wet.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Tall varieties benefit from being pinched back in early summer to stimulate the growth of strong, bushy branches. Many new dwarf varieties do not require pinching. New York asters are more deer-resistant than other autumn flowers, and they are a preferred nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies.

Harvesting

New York asters make good filler for cut arrangements, though their vase life is short.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Aster (New York)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail