How to care for wild asters?

Question

I have a purple wild aster bush that is getting quite leggy by the time it blooms in August. Blooms nicely but rather stalky on the bottom. Am I suppose to trim it back in the spring like mums? When is the best time? I’m afraid it’s too late now. I live in northern Indiana. My plant is about 8 inches tall already.

Answer 1

Yes, treat your aster like a mum by pinching it back on Memorial Day and July 4th. It will be shorter, bushier and give a lovely show come fall. Asters do quite nicely in poor soil so do not fertilize it as this will result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.