China Aster Seeds
Price for Package of 260 seeds (0,5g).
Half Hardy Annual Flowers: Deep Blue blooms in late June to October Height: 25cm (10in) Soil type: Rich, well draining soil Exposure: Full sun preferred Germinates: 7 to 14 days at 16 to 18°C (60 to 64°F) Aster “Milady” is the world’s leading Dwarf Aster, with large 8cm (3in) deep blue chrysanthemum-type blooms. This a wonderful dwarf aster grows to just 25cm (10in), the plants have sturdy stems and a well branched habit. Their compact size makes them ideal for borders and bedding schemes as well as container gardening. Milady is a wilt-resistant variety which produces masses of perfect blooms whatever the weather. This very heat resistant and virtually worry free variety will produce non-stop blooms from summer to the first hard frost in autumn. The flowers, which resemble powder puffs are butterfly magnets. They are ideal for tubs, troughs and window boxes, and as pot-plants. Don’t forget to bring a few flowers inside as they are also excellent for cutting.
Aster “Milady Deep Blue" has been awarded the RHS 'Award of Garden Merit'.
The "Milady" series contains five colourways and a mixed colour pack - Rose, Scarlet, Deep Blue, Lilac, White and Mixed Colours
Sowing:
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly where they are to flower once the soil has warmed. For a continuous show, you may wish to plant stagger the sowing dates. The seed may also be direct sown in April to May where the plants are to flower, but in this case flowering will start later. A sunny situation should be chosen for the aster bed, which should be prepared as soon as possible, making sure that drainage is good.
Sowing Indoors March to April
March and April sowing should be made in gentle heat, sowing into trays of compost, “Just cover” the seeds with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite.
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Handle the plants with care and avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible when transplanting to prevent wilting.
Gradually hardened off for 10 to 14 days before transplanting into the flowering site in early May. Light spring frosts will not harm the plants.
Plant 25 -40cm (10 to 16in) apart.
Direct Sowing April to May
Sow thinly, 6mm (1/4in) deep in small clumps or shallow drills. Sow 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods.
When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings until they are finally 30cm (12in) apart in spring
Outside sowings should be gradually thinned to the same spacings when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
Cultivation:
Flowers should be removed as soon as they have faded to promote the growth of further blooms. Never over water, but do not let the soil dry out. Preventive measures should be taken against aphids Cut flowers will last 8 to 10 days in water. Cut when flowers are half-open; recut stems underwater. Plant Uses: Cut Flowers, Flowers Borders and Beds, Patio and Container Plants.Note: Plants must not be planted in the same ground two years in a row to avoid Fusarium Wilt - a soil-borne disease that has plagued Asters in the past. Nomenclature: The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word astron, meaning "star", arriving through the Latin word astrum with the same meaning, referring to the shape of the flower head. the genus name Callistephus (pronounced ka-LIS-te-fus) is derived from the Greek words “kallos” (meaning beautiful) and “stephanus” (meaning crown).