China Aster Gala Burgundy | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster ‘Gala Burgundy’ | Callistephus chinensis | Annual Cut Flower

China Aster ‘Gala Burgundy’ is a striking variety from the Gala series, renowned for its large, double blooms and deep, velvety burgundy-red color. Each flower measures 8–10 cm in diameter, sitting atop strong, upright stems that make it a top choice for professional cut flower production and garden displays alike.

With its full, pincushion-style petals and rich coloring, ‘Gala Burgundy’ brings sophistication and drama to borders, beds, and floral arrangements. The plants grow to about 80 cm tall, producing long, sturdy stems perfect for cutting. This variety performs beautifully in both garden and greenhouse settings, offering exceptional vase life and a continuous flowering period from mid-summer to early autumn.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Variety: Gala Burgundy
  
• Common name: China Aster
• Type: Annual
• Height: 75–80 cm
• Flower size: 8–10 cm 
  
• Bloom type: Fully double, pincushion form
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, moderately moist
• Days to maturity: 14–15 weeks from sowing
• Flowering period: July–September
• Uses: Cut flowers, garden borders, containers

How to Sow & Grow

• When to Sow:
  • Indoors: February–April
  • Outdoors: After the last frost (May–June)
• Sowing Instructions:
  • Sow seeds thinly in trays or pots with seed compost.
  • Cover lightly (3 mm deep) and keep moist at 18–20°C.
  • Germination: 7–14 days.
  • Transplant seedlings into 9 cm pots when they have 2–3 true leaves.
  • Harden off and plant outdoors 25–30 cm apart once frost danger has passed.
• Care Tips:
  • Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
  • Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
  • Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during growth.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
  • Rotate growing sites annually to prevent Fusarium wilt.

Why Grow ‘Gala Burgundy’?

✔ Large, velvety burgundy-red double flowers
✔ Excellent vase life and strong stems
✔ Ideal for cut flower production and floral design
✔ Uniform growth and long flowering season

Perfect For:

• Cut flower gardens
• Florist bouquets and arrangements
• Cottage-style borders and mixed beds