Aster Flower Seeds Packet

$2.35

2025 Seed Prices

  • Order 1-95 assorted packets for $2.35 each
  • Order 96-499 assorted packets for $1.85 each
  • Order 500 or more assorted packets for $1.65 each
China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) is a stunning annual flower known for its large, vibrant blooms that resemble chrysanthemums. This plant is cherished for its wide range of colors, including pink, purple, blue, white, and red. China asters are popular in cut flower arrangements and garden borders due to their long-lasting, showy blossoms. These vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers bring striking color to gardens and floral arrangements. Their ability to bloom late into the season, attract pollinators, and provide stunning cut flowers makes them a favorite among gardeners.
SKU: SEASTE
Barcode: 843458152491

Product Detail

Order in multiples of: 12

  • Year Designed: 2024
Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Annual
  • Genus: Callistephus
  • Species: Chinensis
  • Plant Height/Width: Up to 3 feet tall
  • Season: Blooms in spring, early summer and fall
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Difficulty: Easy in temperate climates

Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

How to Plant Asters from Seed

When to Plant Seeds

  • Indoors: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost for early blooms.
  • Outdoors: Sow seeds after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches 65°F.

Seed Preparation

  • Soak seeds in warm water for a few hours before planting to improve germination.
  • No stratification is needed, but a light layer of fine soil helps retain moisture.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

  1. Prepare the soil by loosening and amending it with compost.
  2. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
  3. Keep the area moist until germination occurs.
  4. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
  5. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.

Starting Seeds Indoors

  1. Fill seed trays with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
  2. Scatter seeds on the soil surface, covering lightly with 1/8 inch of soil.
  3. Keep trays at a temperature of 65-70°F.
  4. Provide bright indirect light or use grow lights.
  5. Water lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. Expect germination in 7-14 days.

Pro Tip

Harvest when flowers are fully open for the best vase life. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut stems early in the morning when temperatures are cool. Place stems in fresh water immediately after cutting. Change water daily to extend the lifespan of the blooms.

Getting to know your Aster

China asters are annual plants, completing their life cycle within a single growing season. Depending on the specific variety, these plants typically reach a height of 12 inches to 3 feet. They feature sturdy, upright stems adorned with dark green, serrated leaves.The blooms of China asters can be single, semi-double, or fully double, and their appearance often resembles daisies or chrysanthemums. These vibrant flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall, attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.

What it's used for

1. Ornamental Gardening:

  • China asters bring bright, showy colors to flower beds, borders, and container gardens.
  • They are ideal for mass plantings, cottage gardens, and mixed flower displays.

2. Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements:

  • China asters are widely used in bouquets and floral decorations due to their long vase life.
  • Their sturdy stems make them perfect for fresh and dried flower arrangements.

3. Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Attraction:

  • Asters provide late-season nectar for pollinators, helping support bee and butterfly populations.

4. Companion Planting:

  • Pair well with zinnias, marigolds, snapdragons, and cosmos for vibrant flower beds.
  • Help deter some pests by attracting beneficial insects.
Growth Requirements

Light:

  • Prefer full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
  • Can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may reduce flowering.

Soil:

  • Require well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
  • Grow best in soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5.

Watering:

  • Need consistent moisture, especially during germination and flowering.
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.

Temperature & Climate:

  • Thrive in moderate to warm temperatures (65-75°F).
  • Not frost-tolerant; plant after the last frost in spring.

Fertilization:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting and once more during the growing season.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Maintenance

Mulching:

  • Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Helps keep the roots cool during hot weather.

Deadheading & Pruning:

  • Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Cut back plants in late fall after flowering to maintain tidy growth.

Staking Tall Varieties:

  • Some taller varieties may require staking to prevent bending.
  • Use bamboo stakes or garden supports as needed.

Disease & Pest Prevention:

  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
  • Rotate crops annually to reduce soil-borne pathogens.
Pests and Diseases

Pests:

  • Aphids: Cause leaf curling; spray with insecticidal soap.
  • Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause yellow speckling; use neem oil.
  • Leafhoppers: Spread diseases; control with row covers or organic insecticides.

Diseases:

  • Fusarium Wilt: Causes yellowing and wilting; prevent with crop rotation.
  • Powdery Mildew: White powdery coating on leaves; treat with fungicides.
  • Root Rot: Occurs in overly wet conditions; improve drainage and avoid overwatering.

Feed Your Plants Like You Actually Know What You’re Doing

Your plants called—they're tired of your "just water and hope" approach. Give themverteRx, the premium plant food packed with vitamins and growth boosters. Stronger roots, lusher leaves, and fewer judgmental stares from your fiddle-leaf fig. Because even plants deserve proper nutrition (unlike your diet).


Pretty Pots for Pretty Plants

Your plants work hard to look good—shouldn’t their pots do the same? Choose from our gorgeous flower pots and let your greenery thrive in style. Because plain plastic is just rude.