Bigleaf Aster

What you'll need:

Bigleaf Aster seeds or young plants (check your local garden center or native plant nursery)

Well-draining soil; if your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or sand to help it drain better

A small hand trowel or spade for planting

• A spot in your garden that gets some shade, especially in the afternoon

When to start:

Bigleaf Aster loves cooler weather, so the best time to plant is either early spring or early fall. This gives the plant time to settle in before summer heat or winter cold arrives.

Choosing the right spot:

Bigleaf Aster does well in partial shade or dappled sunlight. If you have a woodland garden or an area under trees where other plants might struggle, this could be the perfect spot! It doesn’t need full sun, but a bit of morning light is nice.

Tip: If you’re starting with seeds, sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. They can take some time to germinate, so patience is key!

If you're using seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist potting soil.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil and press them down lightly—don’t bury them too deep because they need light to germinate.
3. Mist the soil with water to keep it damp but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a cool spot (around 60-70°F or 15-21°C) with indirect light.
5. Seeds may take a few weeks to sprout, so keep checking on them!

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have a couple of sets of leaves, you can transplant them into your garden.

If you're using young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil and press down gently to remove air pockets.
4. Water the plant thoroughly to help it settle in.

Spacing tip: Plant each Bigleaf Aster about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread out as they grow.

Watering:

• Water your Bigleaf Aster regularly during the first growing season to help it establish strong roots.
• Once it's settled, it’s pretty drought-tolerant, but it still appreciates a drink during long dry spells.
• Aim to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to prevent leaf diseases.

Soil care:

• Bigleaf Aster isn’t too picky about soil, but it prefers rich, well-draining soil. If your soil is poor, mix in some compost when planting.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Just don’t pile mulch right up against the stem.

Sunlight:

• Remember, this plant likes dappled shade or partial sun. Too much direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can stress it out.
• If planted under trees, it’ll do just fine since it’s used to growing in woodland areas.

Pruning & Deadheading:

• You can deadhead (remove spent flowers) to encourage more blooms, but it’s not necessary—this plant will continue flowering on its own.
• In late fall or early spring, cut back any old or dead stems to make room for new growth.

Pest & Disease Tips:

• Bigleaf Aster is pretty tough, but slugs and snails sometimes like to nibble on the leaves. If you notice holes, try setting out a shallow dish of beer to trap them.
• Watch for powdery mildew if the plant gets too crowded or wet. Make sure there’s good airflow around the plant.

When to enjoy the blooms:

Bigleaf Aster typically starts blooming in late summer and continues through fall, adding a beautiful splash of color when many other plants are winding down. The flowers are usually a soft purple or pink with yellow centers, and they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to harvest (if desired):

• You can cut a few stems to bring indoors for a simple, natural bouquet.
• Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut the stems just above a leaf node (where the leaves meet the stem).
• Place the cut flowers in water immediately to keep them fresh.

Leaving them be:

Since Bigleaf Aster is such a great late-season food source for pollinators, it’s often best to leave the flowers on the plant. Plus, birds like goldfinches love to snack on the seeds after the flowers fade!

End-of-season care:

• After the plant finishes flowering and the leaves begin to die back, you can tidy up by cutting back dead stems.
• Alternatively, leave the seed heads on over winter to provide food for birds and let the plant self-seed naturally.

Q: Can I grow Bigleaf Aster in full sun?

A: While it can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. It’s happiest in partial shade or dappled sunlight.

Q: How fast does Bigleaf Aster spread?

A: It’s a moderate spreader. Over time, it can form small colonies through underground rhizomes, but it’s not invasive. You can control its spread by dividing the plant every few years.

Q: Do I need to fertilize Bigleaf Aster?

A: Not really! It grows well in average soil, but if you want to give it a boost, add a little compost in early spring. Avoid heavy fertilizers, which can lead to floppy growth.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean too much water or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy. If drainage is an issue, consider adding sand or gravel to improve it.

Q: Will deer eat Bigleaf Aster?

A: Deer aren’t usually big fans of asters, but in areas with high deer pressure, they might nibble. If deer are a problem, try spraying the plant with a natural repellent.