China aster Callistephus chinensis "Krallen" mix (Nojaus seeds, 0.5 g)

• Type: annual flower, seeds
• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis "Krallen" (mix)
• Producer: Nojaus sėklos (Lithuania)
• Sowing: indoors III–IV, outdoors V
• Germination: 7–11 days at 18 °C
• Flowering: 3.5–4 months after sowing, until frost
• Spacing: 30 × 30 cm
• Light: full sun
• Soil: fertile, loose, well-drained
• Use: borders, cut flowers, bouquets
• Size: packet 0.5 g

Planting. Sow indoors in March–April in light compost about 0.5 cm deep and keep at 18 °C – seedlings appear in 7–11 days. Prick out at the 2–3 true-leaf stage. Plant out in the second half of May at 30 × 30 cm; you can also sow directly in the bed in May.

Watering and feeding. Water moderately at the base and avoid waterlogging. Two weeks after planting out give a flower fertiliser, and a potassium-phosphorus feed when buds form. Do not use fresh manure – it makes asters prone to disease.

Care. Hoe and weed regularly. Do not grow asters in the same spot several years running, or after tulips, gladioli or tomatoes, to reduce the risk of fusarium wilt. Stake tall stems in windy places.

Gardener's tip. For bouquets, cut heads that are one-third to half open early in the morning and put them straight into water – "Krallen" asters last up to 2 weeks in a vase.