{"product_id":"callistephus-chinensis-optimo-red-china-aster","title":"Callistephus chinensis Optimo Red | China Aster","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCallistephus chinensis Optimo Red | China Aster Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCallistephus chinensis Optimo Red is a professional spray-type China Aster developed for high-quality cut flower production, producing an abundance of large, chrysanthemum-shaped flowers in a rich, vibrant red.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Optimo series combines impressive flower size with strong stems, reduced basal branching and prolific flowering concentrated toward the upper part of the plant, creating highly usable stems for bouquets and professional floristry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo is particularly valuable for commercial production thanks to its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estrong resistance to Fusarium and lower susceptibility to Botrytis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The series was bred for high-density planting, allowing growers to produce attractive, uniform stems efficiently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants reach approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60–75 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with large flowers measuring around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–9 cm across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The intense red colour and distinctive chrysanthemum-like flower form make Optimo Red an excellent focal or supporting flower for summer and autumn arrangements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCallistephus chinensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e China Aster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeries:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Optimo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVariety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Asteraceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Annual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spray-type cut flower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant height:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 60–75 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 6–9 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large, chrysanthemum-shaped\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Professional cut flower production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGermination:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 5–8 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGermination temperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 18–20°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlug production:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 4–5 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTime to flower:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 18–21 weeks from sowing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant to flower:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 14–16 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended spacing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 10 × 10 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRich Red Chrysanthemum-Shaped Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo Red stands out for its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elarge, intensely red flowers with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe densely arranged petals give the blooms a full, substantial appearance that works beautifully in both mixed bouquets and more structured floral designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike asters that produce heavy branching from the base, Optimo has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereduced basal branching and abundant flowering toward the top of the plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This creates attractive spray-type stems carrying several prominent flowers and makes harvesting particularly practical for cut flower production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo – Professional Cut Flower Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Optimo series was bred specifically for growers looking for a combination of flower quality, productivity and improved disease resilience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts key characteristics include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge 6–9 cm flowers • Chrysanthemum-shaped blooms • Spray-type growth • 60–75 cm stems • Reduced basal branching • Abundant top flowering • Suitable for dense planting • Strong against Fusarium • Lower susceptibility to Botrytis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo Red is intended primarily as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprofessional cut flower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, rather than as a compact bedding aster.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImproved Disease Resistance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the most important characteristics of the Optimo series is its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estrong resistance to Fusarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is particularly valuable in China Aster production, where soil-borne disease can significantly affect plant quality and crop success.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo is also described as being \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eless susceptible to Botrytis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, helping improve reliability and flower quality under suitable production conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood crop hygiene and rotation remain important. Where asters are grown repeatedly, rotating the production area can help reduce disease pressure and maintain healthier soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSowing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor plug production, sow into \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e200–288-cell trays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e filled with a fine, well-drained seed-starting substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGermination temperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 18–20°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmergence:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approximately 5–8 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended substrate pH during plug production:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5.5–5.8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlug production time:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approximately 4–5 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain consistent moisture during germination. Avoid both excessive moisture and allowing the substrate to become too dry, as either condition can reduce germination quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter germination, provide good light and air circulation to encourage compact, healthy seedlings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplanting and Spacing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant after approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–5 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, once seedlings are well established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor professional cut flower production, the recommended spacing is approximately:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 × 10 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo was bred for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehigh-density production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and relatively close spacing encourages the development of useful cut-flower stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the finishing crop, a soil or substrate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH of approximately 6.0–7.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended production temperatures are approximately:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDay:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 16–25°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 13–16°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe supplier specifically recommends maintaining night temperatures around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e16°C or above when possible to help reduce the risk of malformed flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide good ventilation and avoid prolonged excessive humidity, particularly because Botrytis and other fungal diseases can become problematic under humid conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDay Length and Stem Length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight management can be important in professional Optimo production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring autumn and winter, when natural days are short, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enight-interruption lighting can be used to encourage sufficient stem length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessional production recommendations suggest night-interruption lighting approximately from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e22:00 to 02:00 for at least three weeks after transplanting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce plants have reached approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etwo-thirds of the desired stem length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, shorter-day conditions can be used. Short days help improve flowering uniformity and can reduce finishing time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor home gardeners growing the plants during the natural spring and summer season, specialised photoperiod control is generally not necessary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTime to Flower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimo Red requires approximately:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e18–21 weeks from sowing to flowering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e14–16 weeks from transplanting to flowering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActual timing depends on temperature, day length, sowing season and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Optimo and Optimo α Alpha series are approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–10 days later to flower than the Fujimi series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing for Cut Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a position with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eplenty of light and good air circulation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants are suitable for relatively dense planting, but good airflow remains important for maintaining healthy foliage and reducing disease pressure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsistent moisture and balanced nutrition encourage strong stems and high-quality flowers. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and extreme fluctuations between very wet and very dry growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its spray-type growth habit, Optimo Red produces multiple large flowers concentrated toward the upper part of the stem, creating naturally full stems for bouquet work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePests and Diseases\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough Optimo offers improved resistance, good crop management remains important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotential problems include \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotrytis, rust, Fusarium and Pythium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as well as calcium or boron deficiencies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePossible pests include \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003espider mites and leaf miners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular crop inspection, good air circulation, appropriate watering and rotation of production areas help maintain healthy plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Grow Optimo Red?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessional China Aster for cut flowers • Rich red colour • Large 6–9 cm flowers • Unique chrysanthemum-shaped blooms • Spray-type growth • 60–75 cm tall • Reduced basal branching • Abundant top flowering • Suitable for high-density planting • Strong resistance to Fusarium • Lower susceptibility to Botrytis • Excellent for bouquets and professional floristry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCallistephus chinensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Optimo Red is an excellent choice for growers looking for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprofessional China Aster seeds with large red flowers, spray-type growth and improved disease resistance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its distinctive chrysanthemum-shaped blooms, strong cut-flower performance and intense red colouring make it a valuable addition to summer and autumn cut flower collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"therapyofflowers.com","offers":[{"title":"30 seeds \/ 60-75 cm","offer_id":55217622745431,"sku":null,"price":1.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 seeds \/ 60-75 cm","offer_id":55217787896151,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0754\/9275\/3751\/files\/CallistephuschinensisOptimoRedChinaAster_e765102a-2cab-4e6a-a5c1-c82222130e69.png?v=1790850492","url":"https:\/\/www.therapyofflowers.com\/products\/callistephus-chinensis-optimo-red-china-aster","provider":"therapyofflowers.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}