Growing Aster

Botanical Name:

Callistephus Chinensis (Chinese Aster)

Life Cycle:

annual

Planting Time:

spring or summer

Height:

dwarf types 8" to 12"; full-sized plants 1 to 3 ft

Exposure:

full sun to partial shade

Soil:

rich well-drained soil, evenly moist; neutral to alkaline pH

Hardiness:

Bloom Time:

early summer until frost

Flower:

daisy-like blooms in a rainbow of colors

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

seeds; plant them in the spring after the last frost and every two weeks for continuous color

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, cut flowers, excellent for adding early color to mixed plantings

Growing Hints:

Chinese asters bloom for approximately one month and can be pulled up after blooming. Avoid planting them in the same location two years in a row to minimize fungal disease. Pinch back 6-8 inches once per summer for bushier plants that bloom into fall. Pinching back after mid-July will have opposite effect.