Description
A wonderful China Aster cultivar with gorgeous double flowers atop tall stems. This cottage garden classic produces showy 3–5-inch blooms in a vibrant mix of colors, accented by creamy centers from early summer through fall. The profusion of long-lasting flowers makes an excellent choice for fresh-cut bouquets, tall borders, and garden beds. Beloved by Thomas Jefferson, China Aster was grown at Monticello, as well as in many other early American gardens. Easy to grow from seed and ideal for succession planting to extend the bloom season.
Quick Specs
- Origin: Introduced
- Type: Annual
- Color: Pink, Purple, White, Rose, Violet
- Height: 12-36 inches
- Width/spread: 12-18 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
- Water: Medium moisture
- Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
- Planting Time: Spring
- Zones: 3a-8b
- Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Texas/Oklahoma, Western, Canada
- Use: Cutting gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, or in containers. Deer resistant.
- Attracts: Butterflies.
- Packet weight: 1 gram
- Seeds per packet: 400 approx.
Best Planting Season:
China Aster is best planted once soil temperatures reach 65-70°F (18-21°C). Can be started indoors 6- 8 weeks before your last frost date.
Easy Planting Instructions:
- Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and grasses, then loosen the top layer of soil for better seed-to-soil contact.
- Spread the seeds evenly: Scatter the seeds over the entire area. Aim for even coverage and 3-6 inches of space between seeds.
- Cover lightly: Rake gently to settle the seed into the soil. Cover with approximately a 1/8 inch of soil, then press the soil down with your hands or a wide board. Use only a thin layer of mulch to hold moisture.
- Water regularly: Gently soak the area and maintain consistent moisture from seeding through early growth. If irrigation is not practical, aim to plant when natural moisture is most reliable.
- Maintenance: Early seedlings can look like weeds. Wait until plants are recognizable or blooms appear before pulling weeds.
Special Treatment:
None
Growth Requirements:
Prefers rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.8
8-10 days to germinate
Seeding Rate:
1 oz. covers 200 sq ft.
Mix Contents:
Single Species, China Aster (Callistephus chinensis ‘Powder Puff’) delivers gorgeous double blooms in shades of pink, purple, violet, and rose atop tall stems.
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