(Callistephus chinensis) Breathtaking. I used to really dislike pink, especially light pink, and the crafty habit it had of sneaking into and overtaking all corners of life. Usually involving glitter and maybe even a unicorn or two. With age comes perspective and I now see the error of my ways. Pink, especially a creamy salmon tinged pink, especially en masse, is breathtaking. So many evenings I would peak into the greenhouse and there they stood, a hedge of perfectly uniform peony/heirloom mum type flowers. This perfection presents itself as 2 ½-3’ plants with 10-20 stems just right for cutting. The blooms are very dense and the plants are so loaded that they do benefit from support. You will love them. Also, Unicorns are cool.
100-120 days. UO

Packet: 50 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out after last frost.

Note: Transplants are highly recommended. Asters respond favorably (begin to bloom) to increased heat and decreased daylength.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8"

SPACING:

12" between plants in rows 15" apart.

EMERGENCE:

10-14 days @ soil temp 70F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Average. Well-drained and evenly moist soil is preferred.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Asters benefit from support to keep them upright and tidy and increase airflow.

Continue to cut flowers and deadhead for a long bloom time.

Harvest flowers when the outer petals begin to unfurl. Expect a vase life of 10-14 days.

Aster, China, 'Tower Chamois'