Aster alpinus ‘Goliath Blue’ seeds – (Alpine Aster)

Description

This plant has large, pretty, soft blue flowers which have a bright yellow centre.  It is a great plant for  a small space where you need impact, but don’t have much space. It forms a low mound of bright green leaves which are smothered with taller branching lilac-blue flowers, and then later with fluffy seed heads, and the mound grows slowly to about 30cm in diameter. The bees and butterflies are attracted to it. It is an early summer blooming species, which will self seed a little if allowed. It is often grown in rock gardens or used for edging a garden  border.

Sowing Advice

Sow in spring  onto moist well-drained seed mix. 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.(door or veg compartment of fridge) 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.