I found some varieties available from Veseys (a Canadian company). Can they ship seeds to the US? Will the seed pass US custom?

Thanks.

I like to grow these for cutting as they last for ages. Yep, they are pretty easy and you can save seed each year, especially from the tall singles. I have no luck with self seeding as they are just not hardy enough to go through an english winter from a September germination but they are so easy so no hassle to redo every year. I use the Chilterns catalogue - not sure about in the US but if you can, have a look - they have an astonishing range of plants including trees and shrubs, palms and grasses.

Campanula, thanks for the info. Indeed when I did some searching, I found a few places/companies from the UK. It looks like they are more popular there.

Fortunately I also found some in Minnesota that work with University of Minnesota in developing hardy types.

I LOVE chinese asters! They are one of my favorite annuals. I have to really restrain myself from buying too many different kinds every year!

I've grown Astoria, Duchess, Milady, Moonshine, Pink Tower, Seastar, and Single Rainbow, among others. They are quite easy to grow and maintain. I do have quite a bit of self-seeding in my yard, and every spring I walk around the yard looking for volunteers to move into beds. I don't collect seed myself for the most part, but I'm sure you could collect from asters if you wanted.

As for sources, I've bought from Johnny's, Pinetree, T&M, Parks, and Swallowtail.

Good luck - you will love these!
:)
Dee

I have wanted to grow annual asters for the longest time. But, I've read somewhere that they are prone to a lot of problems from mildew, insects and something called aster wilt? It also said not to plant them in the same spot 2 yrs in a row. Because of these things, I've avoided growing them. So, tell me is it true what I've read, or are they really easy and pest free? I'd have to start them from seed, since I've never seen them available as plants here.

I've grown asters the last two years (in the same spot, no less) with no pest or insect problems.

This coming year, I do plan on putting them in a different bed, to ward off any potential problem with planting them in the same place.

These are such beautiful flowers, hpny2 - please at least give them a try yourself at least once before writing them off. Here's hoping they behave for you and that you will love them!

:)
Dee