Annual Flower
Callistephus, Genus, chinensis, Species,
- Genus & species
China aster
Overview
Callistephus chinensis is an upright, branching annual that reaches 8–36 inches (20–90 cm) tall and 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) wide, depending on the cultivar. Stems are erect, hairy, and often tinged purple, bearing alternate, coarsely toothed, ovate leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long. Flower heads are 2–5 inches (5–12 cm) across, borne singly at the stem tips, and range from single daisy-like forms with a yellow disc to fully double, pompon, and quilled forms. Colors include white, pink, red, lavender, purple, and blue. Seed packets list days to flower of 90–120 from sowing, and plants complete their life cycle in a single season. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. callistephi) persists in soil for several years and kills plants during warm weather, and aster yellows phytoplasma, spread by leafhoppers, causes green, distorted flowers. Dwarf cultivars of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) are grown in containers, and tall cultivars of 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) are grown for cut stems. C. chinensis is the only species in the genus Callistephus.
Native Range
Callistephus chinensis is native to northern China and Korea, where it grows in open, sunny grasslands and on slopes. It is cultivated worldwide as an annual and has been grown in Europe since the 1730s.Suggested Uses
Callistephus chinensis is grown as a cut flower, bedding annual, and container plant. Dwarf cultivars are used at the front of borders, and tall cultivars are grown in rows in cutting gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Callistephus chinensis blooms from midsummer to the first frost, typically July to October, with individual flower heads lasting 1–2 weeks. Early-sown plants bloom 90–120 days after sowing, and successive sowings extend flowering into fall. Single forms are visited by bees and butterflies.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, red, lavender, purple, or blueFoliage Description
Mid to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Callistephus chinensis grows in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light, in fertile, well-drained soil of pH 6.0–7.5. Seeds are sown indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or sown directly after frost danger has passed, with transplants spaced 9–12 inches (23–30 cm) apart. Soil is kept evenly moist, and water on leaves promotes fungal leaf spots. Crop rotation of 3–4 years between plantings in the same bed limits Fusarium wilt, and wilt-resistant cultivars are available. Tall cultivars lean in wind and are supported by stakes or netting.Pruning
No structural pruning is needed. Pinching the growing tip of young plants at 6 inches (15 cm) increases branching and flower count on the lateral stems. Spent flower heads are removed to prolong bloom, and stems cut for bouquets are taken when heads are half to fully open.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
7 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After the last frost, when soil reaches 65°F (18°C)
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches
