China Aster Giant Comet

China Aster Giant Comet — variety description

China Aster Giant Comet (Callistephus chinensis) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The China aster is an annual with a variety of many cultivars and colours. It blooms with a showy flower 5-10 cm in diameter from early summer to autumn.

Flowers in shades of white to pink, red, blue, violet, purple and yellow.

A nectar-rich plant.

The China aster is the queen of the autumn garden and one of the best-loved cut flowers — it blooms from August until the frosts in white, pink, red, blue and violet. In a vase it lasts up to two weeks.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 91%
• Seeds per packet: 340–460 pcs (0.8 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow China Aster Giant Comet

China Aster Giant Comet seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from July to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow China Aster Giant Comet

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 6–10 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

You can sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date, and at two-week intervals after that to ensure continuous flowering. Keep the soil moist, ensure good air circulation around the plants and, in some cases, provide support for tall plants.

Sow for seedlings in March–April, or directly in April–May. Plant in sun in loose soil; do not sow asters in the same place every year — this avoids fusarium wilt. Tall varieties need support.

Flowering and uses

Cut the stems when the flowers are two-thirds open — that way they last longest in a vase.

Frequently asked questions

When should China Aster Giant Comet be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 340–460 seeds, pack size 0.8 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 91%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

When are asters sown?

For seedlings — March–April, directly in the garden — April–May. They flower 3–4 months after sowing.

How long do asters last in a vase?

About 10–14 days if you change the water and trim the stems every 2–3 days.