Mexican aster flowers bloom in summer.

Overview

Mexican aster is a flowering annual native to Central America. It can grow from 2 to 4 feet in height and produces flowers in colors of pink, purple or white. Mexican aster is an annual, but it will likely continue to grow in the same location for several years due to its rapid reproductive cycle, which causes it to spread rampantly. The plant requires very little care, and even seems to thrive when neglected. Blooming period is from early to late summer.

Step 1

Plant Mexican aster early in the spring, as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Choose a location that receives five to six hours of direct sunlight during the day, and has well-drained soil with low fertility.

Step 2

Water Mexican aster once every two to three days until the seeds germinate and growth emerges. Reduce watering to once every five to seven days until the blooming season, when watering should be reduced to once per week.

Step 3

Spread a 1-inch layer of mulch over the soil around Mexican aster plants. This will help the soil conserve moisture, reduce the growth of weeds and prevent the plants from propagating as quickly.

Step 4

Remove dead or dying blooms as soon as possible to prevent Mexican aster from spending all of its nutrients on seed production. Pinch the flower off as close to the stem as possible to reduce damage.