When to plant Michaelmas daisy?

When to plant Michaelmas daisies: the right time for floral splendor

What are Michaelmas daisies anyway?

Michaelmas daisies are perennials that bloom when most flowers are already beginning their winter dormancy. They bring color to the garden from August until well into October, with their cheerful purple, pink, blue, or white flowers. Yet they're not only beautiful but also beloved by bees and butterflies. This makes Michaelmas daisies a valuable addition to any garden—and, not to mention, a sustainable choice.

The ideal time to plant Michaelmas daisies

The best time to plant Michaelmas daisies is spring—specifically, from March to April. The soil will then be sufficiently warmed, the risk of frost will be minimal, and the plant will have enough time to establish its roots before its first flowering season. In open ground, it's best to choose a cloudy or rainy day so the young plant won't be bothered by bright sunlight immediately after planting. Prefer to delay? No problem: you can also plant Michaelmas daisies in September, although they won't flower until the following year.

Would you like to know more about when to plant asters in general? We've written a separate blog post about that too.

Planting Michaelmas daisies in the open ground

Choose a sunny spot in your garden, as Michaelmas daisies love light. The soil should be well-draining – wet or heavy soil increases the risk of root rot. Dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball and mix in some compost or potting soil. Then place the aster in the hole, fill it with soil, and press it down lightly. Water immediately, even on a rainy day, to ensure good root contact.

Need a little extra help choosing potting soil? Then check out our potting soil and accessories collection. There you'll find everything from vermiculite to perlite for airy, nutrient-rich substrates.

Planting Michaelmas daisies in a greenhouse or conservatory

Although Michaelmas daisies are typically grown outdoors, you can also temporarily grow them in a greenhouse, especially if you want to start your plants early in the season. This is especially true for young cuttings or self-sown asters. Plant them in pots with well-draining soil and place them in a location with plenty of light. Note: Ventilate your greenhouse regularly, as asters don't like a humid environment.

Choose small, well-draining pots like our attractive basic pots . This will prevent dead roots and rot.

Care tips after planting your Michaelmas daisy

Water, food and location

Initially, it's best to give the plant a good watering once a week, especially when there's no rain. Once well-established, Michaelmas daisies are quite drought-resistant. If they're in a pot, they will need to be watered more often. Fertilizing is optional, but if you really want to see large, vibrant flowers, give them a dose of organic fertilizer in spring.

Looking for convenience? Our 1.5L elho watering can makes watering a breeze.

Pruning and rejuvenation

After flowering, in November (or in spring before the first new growth), you can remove the spent stems about 5 cm above the ground. This gives the plant room for fresh shoots. Every three to four years, it's a good idea to lift, divide, and replant the Michaelmas daisy. This keeps it vigorous and prevents it from spreading too wildly.

For rejuvenation or replanting, you can use our handy repotting mat – no mess, pure efficiency.

Combine with other autumn bloomers

Michaelmas asters combine beautifully with other perennials like sedum, coneflower (Echinacea), and ornamental grasses. Together, they create an autumn garden bursting with color and life. Want to experiment further? Consider combining asters in flower boxes. Be sure to use hydroponic clay pebbles at the bottom of your pot for drainage – this prevents wet feet during a rainy autumn.

Need inspiration for your flower box? Then read our blog about planting flower bulbs in flower boxes and discover how to add color to any corner.

Finally: good preparation pays off

Choose the right day and plant species

As mentioned, a cloudy day without bright sunshine is perfect for planting Michaelmas daisies – whether in March, April, or September. Avoid the risk of frost; this is especially important if you plan to plant them late in the season. Use healthy, sturdy plants or divide your existing specimen. They are winter-hardy, but it's best to give a young plant some extra protection during its first winter.

Want to discover other plants that thrive in autumn? Visit our collection page for outdoor plants and get inspired.

Nice tip: why not make it a gift?

A Michaelmas daisy isn't just beautiful in your own garden, it also makes a lovely gift. Combined with a beautiful pot , it makes a colorful gift for a birthday or just because. And we also have a great gift wrapping solution: gift wrapping at De Plantrekkers makes it easy.

In short: spring or early late summer, in the ground or a greenhouse – anything is possible, as long as you give the Michaelmas daisy a good start. And with a little care, it will surprise you again and again with a colorful sea of flowers, even when the rest of the garden is already dormant.