China Aster Chrisantella Tropicana | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster Chrisantella Tropicana | Callistephus chinensis

Vibrant carmine-red flowers full of tropical energy.
The China Aster Chrisantella Tropicana is part of the professional Chrisantella series, developed for premium-quality cut flower production. This striking variety stands out with its deep carmine-red blossoms, glowing with intensity and warmth — a color that immediately brings to mind the vivid spirit of tropical sunsets and festive summer arrangements.

The large, fully double flowers feature densely packed, chrysanthemum-like petals, creating a lush, rounded bloom that maintains excellent structure both in the field and in the vase. Tropicana is especially valued by florists for its rich, saturated color and exceptional vase life, making it an ideal choice for bold bouquets, summer events, and professional floral design.

Plants are robust, upright, and strong-stemmed, reaching 60–80 cm in height, and produce 10–15 florist-grade stems per plant. With its consistent blooming, Chrisantella Tropicana delivers both visual impact and reliability throughout the growing season.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Variety: Chrisantella Tropicana
  
• Type: Annual
• Height: 60–80 cm
• Bloom type: Large, fully double, chrysanthemum-type
• Bloom color: Warm salmon-pink with deep sunset-gold centre
• Days to maturity: 110–125 days (short-day flowering)
• Plant habit: Upright, strong, Y-type branching
• Stem quality: Thick, straight, florist-grade
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, humus-rich (pH 5.5–7.5)
• Plant spacing: 15–30 cm
• Vase life: 7–10 days
• Uses: Professional cut flower production, floral design, borders

🌱 Sowing & Germination

• Sowing indoors/greenhouse: From March, or direct sow outdoors from late April to early May
• Germination: 3–7 days at 21–22 °C; reduce to 8–12 °C after germination
• Sowing depth: 0.5 cm – cover lightly with vermiculite, keep evenly moist and well-lit
• Seedling fertilization: After 10 days, feed with 0.1% potassium nitrate solution; continue with calcium nitrate and a balanced soluble fertilizer
• Pinching: Not required – plants naturally branch well
• Cold tolerance: Hardened seedlings tolerate down to –3 °C; mature plants up to –6 °C

Growing Tips

• Sow early for longer stems and larger blooms.
• Grow in a sunny, nutrient-rich, well-drained location.
• Protect from leafhoppers using insect netting to prevent Aster Yellows Virus.
• Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

Highlights

• Professional series for cut flower growers
• Unique salmon-pink and sunset-gold color blend
• 10–15 large double blooms per plant
• Long vase life (7–10 days)
• Cold-tolerant and pollinator-friendly
• Perfect for romantic bouquets, weddings, and luxury floral design