China Aster Chrisantella Moonstone | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster Chrisantella Moonstone | Callistephus chinensis

Elegant smoky lavender tones with a silvery glow.
The China Aster Chrisantella Moonstone is a member of the renowned professional Chrisantella series, developed for premium-quality cut flower production. This exquisite variety captivates with its smoky lavender-lilac blossoms, featuring a soft silvery undertone that evokes the sheen of a moonlit gemstone — refined, mysterious, and irresistibly elegant.

The large, fully double flowers are chrysanthemum-shaped, with densely layered petals that create a lush, rounded bloom perfect for sophisticated arrangements, wedding designs, and pastel-inspired bouquets. The subtle lavender hue pairs beautifully with creams, blushes, and cool-toned florals, offering versatility and timeless charm.

Plants are strong, upright, and well-branched, reaching 60–80 cm in height and producing 10–15 high-quality florist stems per plant. Known for their long vase life (7–10 days) and reliable performance, Chrisantella Moonstone is ideal for cut flower growers and florists who appreciate soft color palettes and professional-grade stems.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Variety: Chrisantella Moonstone
  
• 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