China Asters in Peat Cot

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 Peat Cot · last frost ≈ 4 May

Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing China Aster

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    20 Mar to 13 Apr

    Sow seeds in trays or modules around 20th March - 13th 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

    15 Apr to 29 Apr

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from 15th April 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 Apr to 4 May

    Start hardening off from 20th 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

    18 May to 1 Jun

    Plant out from 18th 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

    24 Jun to 31 Oct

    Start deadheading from 24th June and keep going until 31st October. 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.