Astilbe Q

Will astilbe flower the first year from seed? I was hoping to plant a bunch and this seems the cheapest way to go.

Capt: yes they will flower the first year from seed,,,although they do need to go thru a vernalization process. (winter chilling). If you sowed seeds in august, you will have a fully rooted seedling in a cell pack 8wks later. This could then be potted in a quart container and will fill that pot out 8 wks later as well. Over winter the quart, or the cell pack, and the following spring, you will have a flowering astilbe. Of course the color ranges will be limited, as you will be dealing w seed, vs asexual propagation of cultivars. However, some of the species Astilbe, such as chinensis, will come true from seed. The x arendsii or x japonica will not come true.

Thanks!