Guide to Growing False Chamomile, Doll's Daisy and False Aster

Boltonia are hardy perennials that flower from the middle of summer into Autumn.

They are commonly known as False Aster, Doll's Daisy, False Chamomile or False Starwort.

They can grow to an height of between 60 and 125 cm depending on the species.

Boltonia have daisy like flowers with yellow centers; petals may be white, lavender or pink.

em>Boltonia asteroides (False Aster) by Wackybadger.

Boltonia photograph by Freethehops.

Quick Boltonia Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Doll’s Daisy: Apalachicola; White; Carolina; Claspingleaf; smallhead. Decurrent False Aster, False Aster, False Chamomile, False Starwort.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 24 to 60 inches (60 to 150 cm).
Native: North America.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8.
Flowers: Middle of summer and autumn.
Flower Details: White, pink, lavender rays. Yellow disc. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Bushy. Herbaceous. Lance-shaped. Linear.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Start of spring - before the last frost. Spacing 18 to 40 inches (45 to 100 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 60°F (15°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Soil pH 5.5 to 7.0. Most soils. Provide support. Dead head before seed set to prevent spread. Propagate: can be divided in spring, but readily self seeds.
Miscellaneous: Many wild species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. Due to self-seeding Boltonia may become invasive.

How to Grow Boltonia

When planting Boltonia outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface and lightly cover them in the early spring.

If you plan to grow indoors first then you should prepare seeds about 7 or 8 weeks beforehand. Boltonia usually takes two or three weeks to germinate and should be grown indoors at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. The seedlings should be put outside after the last frost of the spring at a spacing of 45 to 60cm. Ideally the Boltonia plants should be located in a partially shaded or fully sunlit area that has a soil of pH 5.5 to 7.

Caring for Boltonia in the Garden

Boltonia plants should be staked and divided every three years in the spring to maintain vigorous growth. The Boltonia flowers should be dead headed following flowering to prevent them taking over the garden.