Description

China Aster ‘Chamois’

Callistephus chinensis

Callistephus chinensis, sometimes called the ‘Peony Aster’ due to the striking resemblance, blooms right at the end of the season, just as everything else is starting to fade.

China Aster ‘Chamois’ is darker and more of an elegant salmon-pink than the paler China Aster King Size Apricot, colours change with the light, they are truly outstanding!

Don’t confuse these with perennial Asters (Symphyotrichum) which can be invasive, this showstopper is from Northern China.

How to grow:

China Aster ‘Chamois’ is interesting and fun to grow being both cold and light sensitive, so don’t start them too early.

Seeds will benefit from ‘a bit of warmth’ to germinate, 20-22°C is ideal, a warm kitchen or a heat mat.

I sow one seed per cell on to the surface of the compost only covering with a clear propagator lid to retain moisture and humidity.

Plant 22cm apart after the last frost.

For more detailed growing instructions join our ‘Grow-A-Long’  and for busy gardeners you can now plan ahead with our Spring Grow-A-Long Handbook.

Details:
Variety: Callistephus chinensis
Type: Half Hardy Annual
Position: Plants require full sun
Sow: Spring
Height: Chamois 70-80cm 70-80 (24-30”) (2 ½ ft)
Spacing: 22cm
Harvest: dramatic displays from July until September
Seeds per packet: 50 (approx. counted by weight)

Cutting /Vase Life:

China Asters are a fabulous cut flower, producing large blooms on strong slender stems. For the longest vase life (7-10 days), pick as soon as flowers begin to open and rest stems in a bucket of water for a few hours (preferably overnight) before arranging, this is called conditioning.