Finicky Asters

Lately, I have been obsessed with flowers that are lilac, grey-violet, or blue-gray. This year was the first time I attempted to grow asters at home. A fellow gardener, Anne, grew them the year prior and I thought they were lovely. The seeds were purchased online; each packet contained 50 seeds and I bought three varieties. Although the seed company said each packet has a 90-95% germination rate, I did not have that result. From each packet, I was able to get 6-8 plants to grow. Now that the plants are growing well in my garden, I look back on my experience with notes to share.

My notes:

1. These seeds take a long time to germinate, 2-3 weeks. Most likely, most of my seeds rotted before they germinated.

2. I sowed 2-3 seeds per pot and that was a good idea.

3. Once the seeds germinated, I gave them enough light so they did not grow leggy.

4. I kept the seedlings well watered, rotating the plants daily, so they grew evenly. 5. By mid-May, I had placed the plants outside (in a protected space) in the day and indoors at night for about a week.

6. After a week, I let them stay outside all day and night as I slowly acclimated them to a life outdoors.

7. Note: Keep them away from possible pests like deer or rabbits.

These flowers are striking and beautiful. I made a lovely bouquet that belongs on the set of Bridgerton.

This is Tower Violet.

This is Hazen Light Blue.

I added two roses and some filler to complete the bouquet.

The aster in bouquet is called Lady Coral Lavender.