China Asters in Gruids

Callistephus chinensis

China Aster
China Aster · Callistephus chinensis

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting late summer colour. Sow under cover in the UK, harden off carefully, then plant out once frost risk has passed in a sheltered, sunny spot with free-draining soil.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Gruids · last frost ≈ 3 Jun

Sow indoors April to May, plant out June to July. Frost risk September to June.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing China Aster

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    19 Apr to 13 May

    Sow seeds in trays or modules around 19th April - 13th May in a light seed compost. Cover with a shallow layer of compost and keep at until they germinate. Keep the compost just moist, not wet.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    15 May to 29 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 15th May into small pots. Handle them by the leaves and keep them growing on in bright light so they do not go leggy.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    20 May to 3 Jun

    Start hardening off from 20th May and give them around 10 days to adjust. Put plants outside during the day at first, then leave them out for longer so they settle before planting.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    17 Jun to 1 Jul

    Plant out from 17th June into fertile, well-drained soil once all frost risk has passed. Space plants apart, water in thoroughly straight after planting, and keep them sheltered from strong wind.

  5. 05

    Deadheading & Maintenance

    24 Jul to 22 Sept

    Start deadheading from 24th July and keep going until 22nd September. Remove fading flowers regularly so the plant does not set seed, which keeps it producing more blooms right through to the autumn frosts. Keep the soil evenly moist in dry spells and pinch out any weak or floppy growth.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with China Aster.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of China Aster to consider

Matsumoto

A reliable group with large, single flowers on strong stems, good for cutting and borders.

Milady

Compact plants with double flowers, useful in pots and at the front of a border.

Princess

Tall, cutting-type plants with full flowers and good stem length.

China Aster guides by town

See how China Aster timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.