Flower - Aster Powder Puff (China Aster)

Germination: 10 - 14 Days: Maturity: 90 - 105 Days Planting Instructions:  Asters need a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Seeds are generally started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Sow 1/8" deep in flats and keep consistently moist with a fine spray or mister.  Care: It's best to use a grow light as Asters will flower earlier given 14 hours of daylight in the first four to five weeks. Harden off transplants by slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions after danger of frost has passed. The flowers on these plants are extremely showy and typically grow 10" - 36" in height and will invariably need support. They can produce more than a dozen 2" blooms per plant. Harvest flowers in the early morning when the ray florets on the outside begin to open. History: This aster has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years and was introduces to Europe in the 18th century.  The common word "aster" is the Latin word for "star". In China the powderpuff aster symbolizes grace and elegance.  It's extremely popular as a cut flower and has an excellent vase life. Zones 4-8