China Aster

Scientific Name: Callistephus chinensis

USDA Hardiness Zones: N/A (annual)

Approximate number of seeds per gram (ounce) : 400 (12,000)

Sun: full sun

Water: keep soil moist during germination, but avoid sogginess

Soil: lightly cover with about 1/16 inch of a rich, well-drained, sandy loam soil

Temperature: 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spacing: 13 pounds per acre for a meadow

Germination Time: 7 to 10 days

China Aster are long-stemmed flowers which are good as cut flowers in bouquets.  Originally violet with a yellow center, today they produce a number of different colored daisy-like blooms.  Deadhead to avoid self-seeding.