New England Aster - Prairie Native

New England Aster - The glorious purple blossoms on a sunny fall day is a magnificent site. Butterflies, bees and birds all rely on this flower for late season food and forage.  They are very easy to grow and somply require average soil. They do well in clay or sand as well.   Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-6 feet tall Topped with pink-purple flowers Blooms late in the summer and early in the fall Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Direct Sow outdoors in late fall to early spring.  Alternatively, sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in a flat. Enclose flat with plastic and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Remove plastic wrap and place in warm lighted area. May need staking in a garden border. Pinch back until late summer to prevent plant from falling over when heavily laden with blossoms. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost Germination 14-35 days Plant 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability