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Single China Aster Seed Mix

Callistephus chinensis

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, planting 1/4" below the surface of the soil. For continuous blooming into late fall, plant a new crop every two weeks. To start indoors, sow the seed in a flat or peat pots 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost; keep the soil lightly moist and the temperature around 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should occur within 7-10 days. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they can safely be handled and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: This plant grows best in rich, evenly moist soil. Water the plants regularly, not allowing the soil to dry out completely since this plant does not tolerate drought well. Keep the weeds down, since this plant needs air circulation for healthiest growth; a layer of mulch may help conserve moisture and control weeds. As they grow, taller plants may need support or staking. Watch out for pests and disease, since aphids and various foliar diseases tend to target this flower; immediately remove and discard leaves that have become infected to prevent the disease from spreading, and grow the plant in a different place next year. Deadhead for increased blooming and to prevent reseeding, if volunteer plants are not wanted. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, as well as resisting deer.

Harvesting: For long lasting fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.

Seed Saving: Allow the flowers to mature into seed heads. The dried heads will contain tiny tan seeds of a rounded shape. Remove the heads and spread them out to dry completely, away from directed sunlight. Crush or open the heads to release the seed. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Callistephus chinensis

Species Origin: China

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 12,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Mixed, White, Pink, Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~500 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~12,000 Seeds) $7.52 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $14.21 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $39.00 -+
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $175.50 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $312.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $741.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $1,404.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This fast-growing annual blooms in beautiful shades of pink, purple, red, and white. The daisy-like flower does reseed itself to produce blooms in the following growing season.
This fall-blooming beauty, though a member of the Aster family, more closely resembles the chrysanthemum; its unique characteristics have made it the only member of the Callistephus genus. As the name suggests, it originates in China. China Asters are widely grown throughout many countries for commercial use in the cut flower industry. The common name of "aster" comes from the ancient Greek, meaning "star" in reference to the flower's brightness and shape.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in early spring, planting 1/4" below the surface of the soil. For continuous blooming into late fall, plant a new crop every two weeks. To start indoors, sow the seed in a flat or peat pots 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost; keep the soil lightly moist and the temperature around 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should occur within 7-10 days. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they can safely be handled and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: This plant grows best in rich, evenly moist soil. Water the plants regularly, not allowing the soil to dry out completely since this plant does not tolerate drought well. Keep the weeds down, since this plant needs air circulation for healthiest growth; a layer of mulch may help conserve moisture and control weeds. As they grow, taller plants may need support or staking. Watch out for pests and disease, since aphids and various foliar diseases tend to target this flower; immediately remove and discard leaves that have become infected to prevent the disease from spreading, and grow the plant in a different place next year. Deadhead for increased blooming and to prevent reseeding, if volunteer plants are not wanted. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, as well as resisting deer.

Harvesting: For long lasting fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.

Seed Saving: Allow the flowers to mature into seed heads. The dried heads will contain tiny tan seeds of a rounded shape. Remove the heads and spread them out to dry completely, away from directed sunlight. Crush or open the heads to release the seed. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Callistephus chinensis

Species Origin: China

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 12,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Mixed, White, Pink, Purple

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers

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