Aster kantoensis

Aster kantoensis
(c) Hiromi kobori, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hiromi kobori

At a glance

Lifecycle
Annual
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. We are not convinced of the validity of this name, it is possible that it is no more than a synonym for Heteropappus hispidus[K]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most good garden soils. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn.

Edible uses

Young leaves - cooked. Flowers.

Habitat

Waste ground along rivers, C. Japan.

Native range

E. Asia - Japan.

Same genus