Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster brings a stunning Japanese rainbow of color to gardens across zones 3 to 10. These double-flowered asters produce 2 to 3 inch blooms in bold purples, fuchsias, lavenders, pinks, reds, whites, and apricots, each centered with cheerful yellow. Rising 24 to 30 inches on sturdy stems, they reach full bloom in about 100 days and earn their place in cutting gardens, borders, and containers alike. The catalog description notes their impressive disease tolerance, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, long-stemmed flowers for floral design.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
30in H x ?in W
—
Low
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These Japanese heirloom asters overflow with extra-full double petals in a breathtaking blend of warm and cool tones that seem to capture every color at once. Their sturdy 24 to 30 inch stems and generous 2 to 3 inch flowers with yellow centers make them exceptionally valuable for cut flower work, creating professional-quality arrangements straight from your garden. The combination of disease tolerance and prolific blooming means you get reliable color for weeks without constant fussing.
This variety thrives in cut flower design, where its long stems, full double petals, and sophisticated color range make it a favorite for both home arrangements and professional floral work. Gardeners also grow them in borders and containers for their season-long color display and architectural presence. The sturdy stems hold their shape well whether in the garden or in a vase, and the variety's size and form suit both traditional and modern arrangement styles.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix at a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; light is beneficial for germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge in 10 to 14 days.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to outdoor conditions in increasing increments. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 6 inches apart and water gently after transplanting.
For cut flowers, harvest stems in the early morning when blooms are fully open and petals are still crisp. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle just above a set of leaves to encourage branching and continued bloom. Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters continue flowering over many weeks, so regular harvesting actually extends the bloom season.
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“The Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster originates from Japan, where it was developed as a mixed variety. Its status as an heirloom reflects its time-tested performance and the Japanese horticultural tradition of creating reliable, garden-worthy seed strains. The Matsumoto line represents decades of selection for the specific traits gardeners and florists most value: strong stems, abundant double petals, consistent plant height, and a wide color range that performs reliably across growing seasons.”