Aster Seeds (Michaelmas Daisy)

• Aster Seeds (Michaelmas Daisy)
• The Aster Plant
• How to Sow Aster
• How to Grow Aster
• Growing Tips
• Diseases and Pests
• Uses and Curiosities

Aster Seeds (Michaelmas Daisy)

Aster amellus, known as the European Michaelmas Daisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, native to northern Italy up to 800 metres in altitude. Its English common name comes from its blooming period, which peaks around Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel in late September.

The Aster Plant

It reaches an average height of 20-50 cm, with an erect, branched stem and dark green leaves: the basal ones are oval and stalked, while those on the stem become narrower and more lance-shaped further up. The flowers, resembling small lilac daisies with a golden yellow centre, bloom from July through October, adding colour just as most other blooms are fading.

The species name already appears in Virgil's Georgics, where it is described as a meadow flower the farmers called "amellus" — one of the earliest written records of this plant.

How to Sow Aster

Sow in spring, between March and May, in protected containers or directly outdoors, keeping the soil constantly moist until germination. Seedlings grown in spring-summer will be ready to bloom that same autumn.

As an alternative to sowing, Aster also propagates easily by dividing mature clumps, a quick way to get new, vigorous plants right away.

How to Grow Aster

It loves sunny spots but also tolerates light shade well in warmer areas. The ideal soil is well-drained, preferably calcareous or neutral: soil that is too compact or prone to waterlogging encourages root rot, so it helps to work it deeply and enrich it with sand if needed.

Once established it needs little care: water moderately during prolonged dry spells, avoiding wetting the flowers and leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

Growing Tips

At the first frosts, when the leaves turn yellow, cut the plant back almost to ground level: in spring the rhizomatous roots will produce new flowering shoots. Dividing the clumps every 3-5 years in spring or autumn keeps the plants healthy and thriving over time.

Diseases and Pests

Aster is prone to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that coats the leaves with a whitish powder and reduces photosynthesis, favoured by high humidity and poor air circulation. Among pests, it can be attacked by leafhoppers, slugs and occasionally aphids, especially in the early stages of stem growth.

Uses and Curiosities

Besides its ornamental use in borders, flower beds and pots, Aster is a highly prized cut flower thanks to its long vase life and vivid colours ranging from lilac to violet. Italy has two native wild aster species, including this very European Michaelmas Daisy (Aster amellus), found in the northern regions — a direct link to Latin literature that makes this flower even more fascinating to grow in the garden.