How to Grow Stokesia Plants

Guide to Growing Stokes' Aster

Stokesia is commonly known by name Stokes Aster.

It is an hardy perennial that reaches from 30 to 60 cm in height.

Varieties of Stokesia may have fringed blue, purple, white, or pink flowers, and these come into bloom in the summer.

How to Grow Stokes Aster / Stokesia

The seeds of Stokes Aster (Stokesia plants) can be sown outdoors in either early spring or early autumn. Seeds should be sown in either a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden and then lightly covered. Stokesia likes to grow in a rich soil and it is very important that the ground that the plant grows in has very good drainage.

If starting off indoors then start about 10 weeks in advance. Seeds should take about 3 to 4 weeks to germinate at 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

The young Stokesia plants can be put outside either early in autumn or just before the last frost of spring. Small species of Stokesia should be planted at about 25 cm apart, whilst larger varieties should be planted about 45 cm apart.

Caring for Stokesia (Stokes' Aster)

It is easy to look after the Stokesia; do not let soil become drenched as they do not like wet soil; cut back to ground level at the end of the season in autumn. If you require more plants then propagate by division in the early months of spring.

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