Flowers
Callistephus 'Dark Blue'
China Aster
With deeply-coloured double flowers and long stems, this China Aster makes an excellent cut flower. The blooms resemble those of Chrysanthemums, and are particularly decorative in a vase. However, they also grow well in rich soil as part of a sunny border, continuing to produce colour well into the autumn. Suitable for container planting also.
- Plant type
- Half-Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 70cm
- Spread
- 35cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Start seeds under glass Feb-April. Surface sow in pots or plug trays and keep at 16-18°C for germination. When big enough to handle, transplant seedlings into pots and keep in cooler conditions. Harden off seedlings before planting out at 30cm intervals when frosts have passed. April-May, sow seeds in situ 6mm deep.
Aftercare
Water well, but take care not to overwater. Keep cutting flowers for more blooms. Stake if necessary. Do not grow in the same post two years in a row to avoid Fusarium Wilt
Gallery
Ref. SEC053