The China aster, also known as Callistephus chinensis, is a low-maintenance annual plant celebrated for its vibrant and eye-catching blooms. It's a top choice for cut flower arrangements and flourishes from late spring or early summer right through to autumn. Thriving in cooler climates, this plant showcases a spectrum of hues and varies in height.
Flowers of the China aster come in white, pink, red, blue, violet, purple, or yellow, and they usually open up to a diameter of 3 to 5 inches, depending on the specific type. While the classic form features a solitary ring of vivid petals encircling a yellow center, there are also semi-double varieties with multiple rows of petals surrounding a yellow core, fully double forms where the central disk isn't visible, and fluffy, pompom-like varieties that are especially sought after for floral arrangements. The leaves are a medium shade of green, oval in shape, and edged with a hint of serration.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | China Aster |
| Genus Name | Callistephus |
| Type of Plant | Annual |
| Preferred Light | Sun, Part Sun |
| Growth Height | Ranges from 1 to 3 feet |
| Spread Width | Between 1 and 2 feet |
| Colors of Flowers | Varieties in Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Predominantly Blue/Green |
| Blooming Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Notable Features | Ideal for Cut Flowers, Suitable for Containers, Easy Maintenance |
| Method of Planting | Propagation through Seeds |
If you want to grow Callistephus chinensis in your garden, then follow this article.
Planting China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, cutting gardens, or containers.
- Soil: Best in moist, loamy, well-draining soil but adaptable to various soil conditions.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Planting Guide
- Seed Starting: Easily grown from seed.
- Indoor Sowing: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
- Outdoor Sowing: Sow seeds after the last spring frost, repeating every two weeks for successive blooms.
- Seed Depth: Cover seeds lightly with 1/8 inch of soil.
- Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Germination: Seeds germinate in 10-15 days at 65-70°F.
- Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart for airflow. Stakes may be needed for taller varieties.
China Aster Care
- Light Requirements: Full sun or partial shade, with some midday shade in hot climates.
- Soil and Water: Thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. Water twice a week, more in dry climates.
- Temperature and Humidity: Prefers cool-season growth; may stop blooming in high summer heat but revives in fall.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: Cut back to half height in midsummer for a bushier plant and more blooms.
- Potting: Suitable for containers with well-draining soil. Ensure regular watering and adequate drainage.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Issues: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, aster yellows, wilt, and stem rot.
- Management: Remove diseased plants and rotate planting sites annually.
Propagation
- Method: Best propagated by seed. Harvest seeds from spent blooms, dry, and plant 1/8 inch deep in early spring.
New Varieties
- Ongoing development of more vibrant, sturdy varieties for cut flowers and home gardens.
Types of China Aster
'Matsumoto' Series
- Description: Wilt-resistant with semidouble flowers in various colors. Grows 24-30 inches tall, ideal for cutting.
'Milady' Series
- Description: Fully double, chrysanthemum-like blooms in a wide color range. Noted for wilt resistance.
'Starlight' Mix
- Description: Features threadlike petals in jewel tones, resembling fireworks. Dwarf plants suitable for containers or front borders.
Companion Plants
Coralbells
- Attributes: Known for incredible foliage patterns and long-stemmed leaves, making great groundcover. Prefers humus-rich, moist soil.
Marguerite Daisy
- Appearance: Mounded, shrubby with blooms resembling purple coneflower. Excels in cool weather.
Fountaingrass
- Characteristics: Graceful foliage and fuzzy flower plumes in late summer. Self-seeds freely, potentially invasive.
