New England Aster - Prairie Native

The Seed Savers Exchange - One of the tallest and most magnificent of the fall asters. Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies. Plants grow 3-6' tall and require fertile soil with adequate moisture. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.

Characteristics: 

• Perennial and hardy to zone 4
• Plants grow to 3-6 feet tall
• Topped with pink-purple flowers
• Blooms late in the summer and early in the fall
• Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies
• 250 Seeds per packet 

Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in a flat. Enclose flat with plastic and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Remove plastic wrap and place in warm lighted area. May need staking in a garden border. Pinch back until late summer to prevent plant from falling over when heavily laden with blossoms.

Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost

Germination 14-35 days

Plant 24" apart

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability