New York aster Mixed, 9 cm pot

• Height: 60–100 cm (mix, depends on colour)
• Flowering: August to October
• Flower colour: blue, purple, pink, white (mix)
• Light: full sun, light part shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained
• Hardiness: USDA 4 (down to -30 C)
• Spacing: 40–50 cm

Planting. Plant asters in spring or early autumn in a sunny spot, 40–50 cm apart. Loosen the soil, add compost and set the plant at the same depth as in the pot.

Care. Pinch the shoot tips in early June to keep plants compact and flower-rich. Remove faded blooms and divide congested clumps every 3 years.

Watering and feeding. Water deeply in dry spells but keep foliage dry to limit powdery mildew. Feed in spring with compost or a balanced fertiliser.

Winter and pruning. Cut stems back to 10 cm in autumn or early spring. The aster overwinters in Estonia without cover; mulch the roots with leaf mould if you wish.