New York Aster 'novi-belgii'

100 Seeds

Seeding New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)—commonly called Michaelmas Daisy—is a beautiful way to grow this late-blooming perennial with vibrant purple, pink, or white daisy-like flowers. However, growing this variety from seed requires patience and a bit of know-how, as germination can be slow and plants usually don't flower until their second year.

🌱 Quick Overview

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• USDA Zones: 4–8

• Bloom time: Late summer to fall (August–October)

• Flower colors: Pink, purple, blue, or white (depends on mix or cultivar)

📅 When to Sow

• Indoors (recommended): 8–10 weeks before last frost

• Outdoors (direct sow): Late fall or early spring (they need cold stratification)

🌿 How to Sow Indoors

1. Cold Stratification (important):

   • Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag

   • Refrigerate for 4–6 weeks

   • This mimics natural winter conditions and improves germination

2. After stratification:

   • Fill trays or pots with a fine, moist seed-starting mix

   • Sow seeds on the surface — they need light to germinate!

   • Gently press into the soil, do not cover

   • Mist lightly

3. Temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)

4. Light: Bright light or grow lights; 12–16 hours a day

5. Germination time: 14–28 days (can be slower)

🌼 Transplanting Outdoors

• Harden off seedlings before planting out

• Transplant after the last frost

• Spacing: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart

• Location: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile

✂️ Care & Maintenance

• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially in hot/dry weather

• Pinch back in early summer to encourage bushier growth and delay flowering (for a more compact plant)

• Deadhead to prolong blooming

• Divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding

🐝 Wildlife Bonus

• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and late-season pollinators

• Deer-resistant