Aster Milady Mixed

Sow indoors for surest results, February-April, 0.5cm (¼") deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings, 5cm (2") apart, to other trays when large enough to handle (always hold by a leaf, never by the stem). Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil, May-June, 20cm (8") apart, when frosts are over. Or, sow outdoors for ease, April-May, where they are to flower, 0.5cm (¼") deep, into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 20cm (8") apart. Water well until plants are established. Flowers: July-October.

Remove dead heads to prolong flowering season. Dwarf asters make good conservatory plants. Pot on seedlings individually to 12cm (5") pots and grow on in cool, light conditions.