Aster dwarf - Pinocchio mixed

300 seeds

About Aster dwarf Pinocchio mixed

✅ Quick Overview

• Type: Annual

• Height: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm)

• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

• Use: Borders, pots, and small bouquet accents

📅 1. When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost

• Outdoors (Direct Sow): Not recommended due to slow germination and delicate seedlings; best started indoors

🌱 2. Sowing Depth & Spacing

• Depth: Sow seeds ⅛ inch (3 mm) deep – barely cover with fine soil or vermiculite

• Spacing: Thin or transplant to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart

🪴 3. Starting Indoors

1. Fill trays or pots with fine seed-starting mix.

2. Sow seeds thinly, barely covering them.

3. Mist to moisten soil surface.

4. Keep in a warm location (60–70°F / 16–21°C).

5. Germination takes 7–14 days.

6. Provide strong light—sunny windowsill or grow lights.

7. Transplant after 2 true leaves appear.

🌞 4. Transplanting Outdoors

1. Harden off seedlings over 7 days before planting out.

2. Choose a sunny, well-drained site.

3. Transplant after all frost danger has passed.

4. Space 6–8 inches apart in rows or clusters.

🌿 5. Care & Maintenance

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which lead to leafy growth and fewer flowers.

• Remove faded flowers (deadheading) to prolong blooming.

• Protect from powdery mildew with good air circulation.

✂️ 6. Harvesting for Bouquets

• Cut stems when flowers are half to fully open.

• Best harvested early in the day.

• Remove foliage below water line in the vase.

• Asters can last 5–7 days in a bouquet with fresh water changes.