Aster

Family: Asteraceae Flowering annual

Fragrant, densely layered blooms of Aster arrive like miniature pom-poms—cool, velvety petals in a riot of jewel tones that hold their shape with a graceful, long-lasting presence.

The flowers are richly double and satisfyingly full, creating a lush, cushiony texture in the garden from midsummer into early fall. A dwarf double aster that shines in borders and containers, Aster is made for gardeners who want instant color and a showy, heirloom-style display all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 21st
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Edible dwarf double asters are all about the petal—layered and slightly chewy with a gentle floral perfume. Treat them like a garnish and a flavoring agent: use just enough so their cool sweetness reads clearly against bright citrus and clean dairy.

Best Uses

freshly scattered over green salads to add a cushiony petal texture
steeping into light syrups or floral infusions for delicate desserts
folding petals into compound butter for a fragrant finish
garnishing chilled drinks or fruit—use sparingly so the perfume doesn’t get loud

Flavor Profile

mildly floral delicate, petal-forward chew fragrant, cool-toned aroma with faint sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey vanilla white chocolate goat cheese sparkling wine

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on asters in mid-summer?

Powdery mildew on asters shows up as a white, floury coating on leaves, usually when days are warm and nights stay humid. Remove the worst-affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering, then spray with potassium bicarbonate or horticultural sulfur according to the label (don’t apply sulfur in hot afternoon conditions). If it keeps recurring, shift toward resistant varieties and water at the base early in the morning to keep foliage dry.

How often should I water asters during their main growing phase (after establishment)?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Aim for deep watering to wet the root zone (about 6–8 inches) rather than frequent light sprinkles, especially after buds form. In hot weather, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, but always adjust to rainfall and how quickly your soil dries.

How can I tell when my asters are ready to harvest (for cut flowers)?

Asters are ready to harvest when most flower heads have opened and the center disk florets look fully developed, even if a few outer blooms are still budded. Cut in the morning when plants are hydrated and the petals are firm, leaving at least some foliage to support continued growth and later blooms. For best longevity, harvest before the center becomes overly dark or the flower head begins to flatten.