Aster, Aromatic (Aster oblongifolius), packet of 100 seeds
$3.95
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 8
(Aromatic Aster, Syn. Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) Herbaceous perennial to 3 feet tall, native to Eastern and Central US. Bearing hundreds of showy blossoms in summer to fall, butterflies flock to this plant. Medicinal uses according to Jim McDonald (TWM, TNA): “dried blossoms snuffed, or the vapor inhaled as a steam. Aster tea was used to treat earache, relieve gas pains, stomach aches, & fevers. The flowers and roots were both commonly used.” The foliage is aromatic when crushed. Sow seed in spring. Barely cover and keep evenly moist until germination. Work up in pots and transplant to garden once sufficiently sized to withstand the rigors of out-of-doors. The plant does well in full sun and mesic to dry conditions, is tolerant of clay soils and sand, although application of organic compost will increase its size, vigor, and floriferousness. Space plants 1 foot apart.
100 seeds per packet, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s
In stock
olga.yuska –
Hi Richo, can I grow this aster with n Central Florida, zone 9 b? If I sow the seeds this fall, will the plants flower next summer and die afterwards?
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Richo Cech –
hello olga, Aromatic aster is an herbaceous perennial–that means that it dies back (actually senesces) in the winter and blossoms early the following year–year after year. I see we list it only to a zone 8 which means 9b is very hot for it, and also it may miss the cold winter dormancy. I see we still have some Gardenia jasminoides plants remaining–this would be a good choice for an aromatic flowering plant for you in a warmer zone https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/gardenia-common-gardenia-jasminoides-potted-plant-organic/
richo
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Jennifer Pal –
I heard planting asters around arborvitae trees will save the trees from bagworm damage by drawing Parasitoid wasps, I have borage flowers growing with these trees, can asters and borage grow ok together?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jennifer, good information, thank you. Asters are eventually going to take over the space. The borage will move where it needs to, generally into disturbed soil somewhere. Areal advantage to being a self-seeder! richo
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Molly –
is this New England Aster?
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Richo Cech –
no, they look similar. this one is the aromatic type, which is more useful medicinally. r
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Jacquelyn Howell –
Is it better to plant Aromatic Aster seeds in the spring instead of in the fall with my other native flower seeds (which all require cold stratification)?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jacquelyn, I think you can go either way. One thing I’m certain of, is that once the plants overwinter, they are much bigger the next year. These flower in the summer to fall. Richo
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