Welcome spring with violas!
Skip to the content
SELECT SEEDS
China Aster 'Giants of California'
China Aster 'Giants of California'
Seed Packet

China Aster 'Giants of California'

Callistephus chinensis
One of the very best cut flowers you can grow, this heirloom variety has scads of tousled petals composing large (4") blooms in vibrant colors of rose, purple, lavender, and white. Long stems hold up these large flowers effortlessly and make arranging bouquets a snap. Mid to late summer to frost bloom. Change its location each year and spray with neem to keep bug free for robust flower-filled plants.
SKU #S1271
$3.55
Growing Companions
Dahlia 'Showpiece Mix'
Dahlia 'Showpiece Mix'
Snapdragon 'Canary Bird'
Snapdragon 'Canary Bird'
Snapdragon 'Royal Bride'
Snapdragon 'Royal Bride'
Dahlia 'Café Au Lait' - S1
Dahlia 'Café Au Lait'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
113
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
2-2.5' h x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Rose, purple, lavender, pink, and white tousled blooms
Features
Great Cut Flower
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"
Sprout Time:
5-25 days
Seed To Bloom:
14-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start in containers 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Keep at about 60-70°F. Retain moisture by covering with humidity dome until germination occurs.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
China Aster is a favorite cut flower and a delightful summer and fall annual for the front to mid-border. If direct sowing, thin to final spacing early to allow the plants to develop unchecked by crowding. Pinch when they have two sets of leaves to develop branching and more flowers. Susceptible to aster yellows disease transmitted by leafhoppers, control at the first signs of damage and destroy any infected plants. Cut flower growers should tent with row cloth early to protect their crop.
Final Spacing:
1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Do not allow soil to dry out; water regularly, particularly during dry periods, but avoid saturated soils.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Feed with an organic, low-nitrogen water-soluble fertilizer every month if soil is not rich.
Diseases & Pests:
China asters should be moved from year to year to a different spot in the garden and grown far enough apart to ensure good air circulation to prevent disease. Row covers protect growing plants from leafhoppers that spread Aster yellows disease.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when the flowers are fully open.