Erigeron

Growing Guide

No matter the variety, Erigerons are versatile, easygoing and low maintenance plants. Delightful daisy like flowers give a mass of blooms over a long period from late spring until the end of autumn. Many are small, bushy, clump-forming plants, with others having a taller habit making them an excellent cut flower.

Sow Erigeron indoors in from January to March or in October. Sow seed thinly, lightly cover with compost or vermiculite and keep moist. These seeds may benefit from gentle heat to encourage germination, often a windowsill will be sufficient. Initially, water the seeds from below and keep the soil damp but not wet and do not exclude light. Place in a propagator or seal the seed tray inside a polythene bag until after germination. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When Erigeron plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days and plant out.

Alternatively, direct sow Erigeron seed where they are to flower from April to June. In a weed free area, sow seed thinly in drills 3mm deep. After germination and when the plants are large enough to handle, thin to 30cm apart. Water regularly, until the plants are established.

TOP TIP

Grow erigeron in any well drained soil, in sun or partial shade – avoid poorly drained, wet soils. Most don't need deadheading. Cut back straggly stems, but not the whole plant, at the end of the season. Erigerons are popular with bees, butterflies and other pollinators and self seed readily.