When I first decided to trial Aster ‘Ostrich Plume’ in the Higgledy Garden I was somewhat sceptical…I thought that it was going to be far too flouncy for an alpha male, flower farmer type chap like myself to be growing…but I was swayed….yes it is super flouncy but it’s comedic with it…it’s a cut flower that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I’m growing it again this season and look forward to reacquainting myself with it’s antics.
How To Grow Aster ‘Ostrich Plume’.
*I start mine off in three inch square pots, undercover at the beginning of April. Then sow some more outside in early May.
*Sow them to a depth of about 3 millimetres….a light covering in other words…don’t bury the blighters too deep.
*Some folk sow much earlier, February and March…I think that’s too early…but experiment if you fancy. 
*After about six weeks and after the frosts have defo gone, plant outside a foot apart from each other.
*Make sure they are in direct sun…a little shade is OK, but not too much.
*Ensure that the ground is free draining.
*Mine flowered in July right through into October.
*Dead heading will keep the little darlings flowering.
If you haven’t been inspired to grow aster before then I’d recommend you give this little number a shot. It’s easy to grow, adds great late summer colour and I can assure you it will keep you amused.
I sell Aster ‘Ostrich Plume’ Seeds at £1.95 a packet.
PS Try them in a vase with Cerinthe Major or Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’…both of these will calm down the flounce and cool the colours down…should you wish…nothing ventured…nothing gained.
Kindest regards
Benjamin Higgledy
April 7, 2013 @ 8:06 pm
Hi Ben, sowed mine, also into modules, but noticed in your pic. that you have a good sized plant. When do you move them from module to pot?
April 8, 2013 @ 7:26 am
In the days when that pic was taken I sowed into round pots…but discovered that slugs hide around them…..these days I sow into 15 cell seed modules…they stay in there for 4-6 weeks and then go out after the frosts…I NEVER pot seedlings up.
March 17, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
My nan had these in her very flouncy garden, I cant wait to have them in mine