Azumi XL Red China Aster brings vigorous early blooms to gardens across hardiness zones 2-11, delivering rich red flowers on compact plants ready to cut in 105-120 days. This open-pollinated cultivar thrives in borders and as a cut flower, combining the classic charm of China asters with the reliability of a new, energetic series. Starting from seed at 70-80°F germinates quickly, and transplanting indoors 6-8 weeks before planting gives you a strong head start on the season.
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Moderate
2-11
?in H x ?in W
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High
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The Azumi XL series distinguishes itself as a vigorous, early-blooming group that reaches peak flowering when conditions trigger it, rather than dragging through a slow season. Compact growth keeps plants tidy in borders without sprawling, while the bold red color photographs beautifully and holds up well in cut arrangements. Heat and shorter days actually speed up flowering, meaning you can time your plantings strategically to catch peak bloom for late-summer harvest.
Azumi XL Red thrives in mixed borders where its compact form adds structure without overshadowing neighbors, and as a cut flower it delivers substantial stems of rich color to vases. The blooms hold well in water, making them reliable for arrangements that need to last several days.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep into 72-cell flats or your preferred seedling container 6-8 weeks before your planned outdoor transplant date. Maintain soil temperature between 70-80°F to ensure reliable germination. Heat mats help keep conditions consistent.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last spring frost date once they've been hardened off. Establish plantings early in the season to avoid short stems, as later plantings may not have enough time to develop robust height before flowering.
Direct seed outdoors once soil temperature reaches 65-70°F. Space seeds carefully and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
For fresh arrangements, cut stems when the outside ray florets are just beginning to open, then place immediately in water to maximize vase life. For dried arrangements, wait until blooms are fully open before cutting and drying.
Pinching is not required for this variety; compact growth develops naturally without intervention.
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