China Aster Hi-no-maru

What China Aster Hi-no-maru is

China Aster Hi-no-maru (Callistephus chinensis) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The China aster "Hi-no-maru" is an exceptionally ornamental, medium-tall variety that flowers from August to September.

Reaches 50 cm in height and produces fine, delicate, branching stems covered in lush flower heads resembling the beautiful pompon daisy.

More importantly, the flower heads of the "Hi-no" asters are bicoloured: the centre, made up of long, reddish-pink tubular florets, is surrounded by a collar of white tongue-shaped ray florets.

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: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 pcs (0.4 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow China Aster Hi-no-maru

China Aster Hi-no-maru seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. 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 Hi-no-maru

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

China aster seeds should be sown in boxes or seed trays in late March and early April. Seedlings with several pairs of well-developed leaves are planted out in the field in the second half of May. In warmer areas, direct sowing from mid-April is also possible. This annual loves full sun and a permeable, non-drying, humus-rich soil. Recommended for border planting alongside similar asters such as "Blue Moon" with purple-and-white flowers or "Gusford Supreme" with white and pink flowers.

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 Hi-no-maru be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 0.4 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. 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.