Single Mix China Aster

Single Mix China Aster has beautiful daisy-petaled blooms with a golden-yellow central disk and petals in shades of purple, lavender, pink, magenta, and white! This exquisite flower is named for its origins in China, having been cultivated for over 2000 years in the region. China Asters stands up to 3 feet tall on slender lance-shaped green leaves and has 4-5-inch blooms that last from mid-Summer to early Fall, adding a burst of vibrant colors to any flower bed, garden, or landscape. The cut China Aster flowers have a long vase life, lasting over 2 weeks in bouquets and flower arrangements, making them a favorite among florists. Attractive to honey bees, butterflies, and pollinators.

Also Known As: Aster Chinesis, Annual Aster, Summer Aster, Chinese Aster, Garden Aster Chinensis, Michaelmas Daisy, Asian Aster, Cutleaf Aster, Korean Aster, Needle Aster

Plant Name:	China Aster, Single Mix
Latin Name:	Callistephus chinensis
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	60-90
Plant Height:	1 - 3 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	4 - 5 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-12
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant china asters in late spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, china aster seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Once established, china asters are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Water sparingly, only during prolonged dry spells, and avoid overwatering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.