Giants of California China Aster brings the drama of full-sized asters to summer and fall gardens, reaching 24 to 30 inches tall with substantial blooms that attract pollinators throughout the season. This heirloom variety takes 98 to 112 days from seed to flower, rewarding patient gardeners with months of color from June through November. Given full sun and moderate water, these plants deliver the cutting-garden abundance their name promises, thriving in a range of climates and soil conditions.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
30in H x 18in W
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High
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These asters earn their 'Giants' nickname honestly, stretching nearly two and a half feet tall with sturdy stems built for cutting and arranging. They bloom prolifically over a five-month window, opening fresh flowers continuously from early summer straight through the first hard frosts of late fall. The long growing season from seed means you'll see these asters progress from tiny seedlings to full-flowering plants within a single season, and their attraction to pollinators adds life and movement to the garden even as you're harvesting armfuls of blooms.
Giants of California China Asters are grown primarily as cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets. Their tall stems and prolific bloom production make them exceptional for flower arrangers and gardeners seeking to fill vases throughout the late-season months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors in containers 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Maintain temperatures around 60 to 70°F and cover containers with a humidity dome to retain moisture until germination occurs. Expect sprouting in 5 to 25 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Harden off plants gradually over several days before planting in their final location.
Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Cut stems in the morning or evening when the buds are just opening or fully open. Use a clean sharp knife or pruners to cut stems at least halfway down the plant, which encourages branching and continued flowering throughout the season. The longer you harvest, the more side stems the plant produces, extending your bloom window well into fall.
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