When to plant China Asters in Leeds

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 Leeds · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Sow indoors March to April, plant out May. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    10 Mar to 3 Apr

    Sow seeds in trays or modules around 10th March - 3rd April 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

    24 Mar to 1 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 24th March 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

    10 Apr to 24 Apr

    Start hardening off from 10th April 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

    8 May to 22 May

    Plant out from 8th May 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

    7 Jun to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Start deadheading from 7th June and keep going until 2nd November. 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.

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.