China Aster Sea Starlet Lavender | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster  Sea Starlet Lavender | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster Sea Starlet Lavender (Callistephus chinensis) is an enchanting variety from the Sea Starlet series, known for its distinctive spider-type, star-shaped flowers that radiate elegance and texture. Each bloom features finely cut, silky petals arranged in soft lavender hues, creating a shimmering effect that adds depth and lightness to garden beds and bouquets.

With a compact, upright, and well-branched habit, Sea Starlet Lavender grows to 50–60 cm tall, producing large, full 9–12 cm blossoms on strong stems ideal for cutting. Its delicate lilac tones blend beautifully with pastel color palettes, making it a favorite for romantic summer and autumn arrangements.

This variety combines ornamental beauty with practicality — long vase life, edible petals, and reliable performance in both borders and professional cut-flower production.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Variety: ‘Sea Starlet Lavender’
• Series: Sea Starlet
• Common name: China Aster
• Life cycle: Hardy annual
• Height: 50–60 cm
• Spacing: 20–25 cm (9 in)
• Days to maturity: 115–125 days
• Light preference: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, neutral pH
• Vase life: 7–10 days
• Uses: Cut flower, edible flower
  

Growing Information

• Sowing Time: Indoors from March or directly outdoors from late April to early May
• Sowing Depth: 0.5 cm — cover lightly with vermiculite
• Germination: 3–7 days at 21–22 °C; after germination, reduce to 8–12 °C
• Transplanting: Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors
• Plant Spacing: 20–25 cm for best air circulation
• Location: Full sun or partial shade

Fertilization & Care

• Start feeding 10 days after germination with 0.1% potassium nitrate, followed by calcium nitrate and balanced fertilizers
• Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering
• Hardening: Seedlings tolerate up to –3 °C after hardening
• Cold tolerance: Mature plants withstand up to –6 °C
• No pinching required – naturally well-branched habit
• Use row covers or insect netting to prevent Aster Yellows Virus

Harvesting Tips

• Fresh flowers: Cut when outer petals begin to open and place immediately in water
• Dried flowers: Harvest fully open blooms for long-lasting dried arrangements
• Vase life: 7–10 days
  

Additional Benefits

• Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
• Perfect for:
  
  • Cut flower production
  • Edible flower decorations
  • Garden borders and mixed beds
  • Late-summer and autumn bouquet

China Aster Sea Starlet Lavender – a refined, lavender-toned beauty that blends romantic color, airy texture, and professional quality. A perfect addition to your garden or floral designs for timeless, elegant charm.