China Aster Milady Carmine

What China Aster Milady Carmine is

China Aster Milady Carmine (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: 78%
• Seeds per packet: 127–173 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow China Aster Milady Carmine

China Aster Milady Carmine seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from May to July. 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 Milady Carmine

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

When sowing, the seeds should be treated with a light, weak solution of potassium permanganate. They are then placed in a special growing mix made of leaf mould, grass, peat and sand. Water with room-temperature water, taking care not to overwater. Prick out after the first leaves appear, water well and place in a spot with sufficient sunlight.

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 Milady Carmine 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 127–173 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 78%. 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.