China Aster Sea Starlet Chamois | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster Sea Starlet Chamois | Callistephus chinensis

China Aster Sea Starlet Chamois (Callistephus chinensis) is an extraordinary variety with elegant, star-shaped spider-type blooms that add movement and texture to any garden or bouquet. Its delicate, radiating petals resemble fine rays or spider legs, creating a refined, sculptural look that’s both unique and enchanting.

This compact and well-branched aster grows to 50–60 cm tall, producing an abundance of large 9–12 cm blossoms in soft shades of chamois apricot, rose-pink, and champagne tones. The flowers shimmer beautifully in sunlight, making them a highlight for late-summer and autumn displays.

Perfect for cut flower production, edible use, and garden borders, the Sea Starlet Chamois combines elegance, resilience, and high productivity — an ideal choice for both home gardeners and professional growers.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Variety: ‘Sea Starlet Chamois’
• Series: Sea Starlet
• Common name: China Aster
• Life cycle: Hardy annual
• Height: 50–60 cm
• Spacing: 20–25 cm
• 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 Chamois – an elegant and productive variety with uniquely shaped blooms, excellent vase life, and soft, romantic tones that elevate every floral design or garden space.