Why Grow China Aster Chrisantella Series
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The China Aster Chrisantella series (Callistephus chinensis) has become a true discovery among both professional cut-flower growers and passionate gardeners. These varieties combine exceptional strength, beauty, and elegance, making them one of the most reliable and spectacular annuals for summer and autumn flowering.
Strong, Reliable, and Climate-Tolerant
The Chrisantella series has been tested in many different climate zones — from northern regions to the Far East — and has proven itself everywhere. The plants grow vigorous, well-branched, and covered in blooms, with sturdy stems ideal for cutting.
Cultivation requirements are similar to those of standard asters, but Chrisantella varieties stand out for their resilience and consistent performance.
That said, precision matters: soil composition, moisture levels, and temperature must be balanced — otherwise even small mistakes can impact results. When conditions are right, Chrisantella rewards you with abundant, luxurious blooms.
Sowing Time and Germination
The period from sowing to flowering takes around 3.5 to 4 months.
The ideal sowing time is from February to mid-April, depending on when you wish the flowers to bloom. For a longer flowering season, sow every 2–3 weeks — this way, you can enjoy continuous blooms from June through late autumn.
Best results are achieved in a light, sterile substrate, such as Biolan Planter Soil.
China aster seeds lose viability quickly, so keep them refrigerated until use.
Optimal germination temperature: around +15 °C — seedlings grown in cooler conditions are sturdier and less leggy. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
Growers have found that seedlings raised in greenhouses develop best.
Sow from April 1 – 7, and by June 1, the young plants are ready for transplanting outdoors.
Seedling Care
Chrisantella asters are not fussy but appreciate attention to light and nutrition.
Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves, into pots of about 200 ml.
Provide at least 16 hours of light daily (continuous light is helpful during the first days). Without enough light, early sowings may develop weak or deformed leaves.
Feed every two weeks with a diluted mineral fertilizer solution (for example, Biohumuss or any balanced Universal or Flower N-P-K ratio such as 10-10-10, 12-12-17 fertilizer).
Once transplanted outdoors, young plants may react to cold nights in late May or early June — curled or wrinkled leaves are usually just a temporary stress response, not a disease.
Planting Outdoors
Choose a sunny, open site where asters, tomatoes, or potatoes haven’t been grown for at least two years (to avoid fusarium wilt).
Chrisantella prefers well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral soil — loam or peat-based substrate works well.
Prepare the soil in advance with superphosphate, potassium sulfate, and ammophoska, or a similar balanced granular fertilizer.
If the soil is too rich in compost or manure, flowers may become smaller, so it’s better to use balanced fertility. Never use fresh organic fertilizers.
Plant spacing: 15 × 20 cm (20 cm between rows, 15 cm between plants).
Watering: frequent, roughly every other day, to encourage prolonged blooming.
Growing in Containers
Although Chrisantella thrives best in open soil, container growing offers great flexibility and aesthetic possibilities.
Use 10–30 L containers filled with a mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite, plus long-release fertilizer if available. Always ensure good drainage at the bottom and cover the surface with mulch (bark, moss, cones, etc.) to retain moisture.
It’s best to grow one variety per container, as growth rates differ between varieties.
Container asters can be easily moved to decorate terraces, patios, or garden corners — and sheltered from rain when needed.
Why Choose Chrisantella
The Chrisantella series has quickly become a favorite among annual cut-flower varieties.
Although bred for professional cut-flower production, these asters look equally impressive in garden borders and floral beds.
The blooms are strong, perfectly shaped, and long-lasting — stems don’t bend or break, and in a vase, they can last up to a month without losing freshness.
They’re ideal for florist bouquets, mixed arrangements, and garden displays — truly matching the beauty of high-end florist blooms.
Chrisantella is the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and reliability — a flower that performs effortlessly yet looks extraordinary.
Whether you’re a professional grower or simply love flowers, it’s a series that brings joy, color, and elegance to every season.
Grow beauty, sow joy — with Therapy of Flowers.
