Aster alpinus var. superbus, 'Dark Beauty'

Genus: Aster

Species: alpinus

Variety: 'Dark Beauty'

Family Name: Compositae/Asteraceae

Seed Catalogue No.: 149L

English Name(s): Alpine Aster

Hardiness: Hardy

Lifecycle: Perennial

Type: Alpines

Suitable for: Cut Flowers

Colour: Blue

Flowers: May, June

Lighting Conditions: Full Sun

Soil Type: Chalk, Sand, Loam

Soil Acidity: Alkaline, Neutral, Acid

Moisture: Well-drained

Germination Instructions

Sow indoors. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Press seeds lightly into soil but do not cover. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 10 days approx. Seeds must be kept damp at all times or germination will cease. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to 4°C. for 2-4 weeks then return to warmth. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing.

Growing Instructions

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in an open sunny position. Water in well. Apply a mulch to keep the soil cool. Water if the weather is dry.

Cultivation Instructions

Cut back after flowering in winter as the foliage dies. Mulch each spring. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain plant vigour.

When to Sow

• Sow Under Cover/Plant Indoors
• Flowers/Harvest

Approximate number of seeds per packet: 78

Please note we pack the majority of our seeds by volume so the number of seeds indicated is only an approximation.