China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) is a showy annual that blooms from mid-summer to early fall in a range of cool colors.
Sow China Aster seeds outdoors after the last frost. Or start indoors 6-8 weeks early. Barely cover the seeds with soil. Full sun to part shade. Spacing 12".
China Aster 'Powder Puff Mix' blooms from mid-summer to early fall with fully double flowers. Colors include pink, purple, crimson and white.
China asters blooms at a time when they are greatly appreciated - after the many June-blooming perennials and annuals are finished and before the autumn display begins. China asters go well with alyssum and cleome .
China Aster 'Single Mix' is a lovely mixture of single flowers in shades of pink, deep rose, lavender, purple and white.
China Aster 'Single Mix' attracts bees and beneficial insects . It prefers rich, moist soil in full sun, but it may tolerate less than ideal conditions. Plant in a different spot each year to reduce the risk of disease.
China Aster 'Crego Mix' has shaggy flowers with lightly curled petals. The flowers bloom in shades of pink, deep rose, lavender, purple and white.
China Aster 'Crego Mix' begins blooming about 85 days from sowing. The flowers appear on the tops of long stems that are great for cutting . You can prolong the bloom season by sowing in succession every 2 weeks.