ASTER Ostrich Feather

This old favourite produces brilliantly coloured displays during the late summer. The large ruffled blooms keep well as cut flowers.

To Sow & Grow:
Sow indoors for surest results, 0.5cm (1/4) deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20c (60-68F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings 5cm (2) apart to other trays when large enough to handle. (Always handle by leaf, never by stem.) Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 30cm (1) apart, when frosts are over.

Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 0.5cm (1/4) deep, directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered.