Asters (Callistephus chinensis) are compact and colourful with the telling blooms that behold most of the flowers in the Asteraceae family. Their lovely double blooms are ideal for rockeries, borders, open garden beds, cottage style gardens or for pots.


How to grow asters in a garden

  1. Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out. 
  2. While the seedlings are growing, choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.
  3. Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
  4. The seedling are ready to transplant when they are large enough to handle.
  5. When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 15 cm apart. Water in well.
  6. Mulch with an organic mulch,  such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
  7. Feed regularly with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food.
     

How to grow asters in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 200mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
  2. Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix
  3. Plant directly into the pot by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the pot. 
  4. Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
  5. Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Remove any spent flowers to encourage a flush of new blooms
  • For best results, plant in a new position each year

More Plants

Hellebores

Hellebores are the moody, gothic jewels of the winter garden. Learn how you can grow them in garden or in pots.

Gardenia

Gardenias have soft scented blooms in white or yellow. Depending on the variety, can be grown as a shrub, standard, hedge or ground cover.

Freesia

Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.

Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.