Aster plants are herbaceous perennials that are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have daisy-like flowers with a central yellow disc surrounded by white, pink, purple, or blue petals. The flowers bloom in late summer and fall, and they are often used to add color to gardens. Asters are usually low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow and require little care. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soils, and they should be watered regularly. Asters are also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any garden.
Planning Your Garden With Asters
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Asters are usually perennial plants, although some varieties are annuals. |
| USDA Zone | USDA Hardiness Zones for asters range from 3 to 8. |
| Cold Tolerance | Asters are generally hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest asters is usually around 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown aster plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Asters should be spaced 6-8 inches apart in the garden to ensure good air circulation and prevent overcrowding. |
| Sun tolerance | Asters generally prefer partial to full sun, although some varieties are more tolerant of shade. Most asters prefer at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Shade tolerance | Asters are considered to be moderately shade tolerant, meaning they can tolerate some shade, but they will perform better in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Asters need regular water to stay healthy and bloom. Water them deeply every 7-10 days during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During periods of extreme heat, water more frequently. Asters prefer moist, well-drained soil and will not tolerate wet feet. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing asters depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, asters should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per square foot of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing asters is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Asters are Popular
People like to grow asters for their bright and colorful flowers, their ability to attract pollinators, and their easy-care nature. Asters are also known for their long blooming season, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy color in their garden throughout the summer and fall.
Companion Plants For Asters
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for asters include:
Common Pests For Asters
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow asters, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- leaf miners
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
