Gala Lavender Aster is a heirloom cultivar of Callistephus chinensis that produces fluffy, fully double pincushion blooms in soft lavender across 3 to 4 inch flowers. Rising on sturdy 30 inch stems, these reliable performers thrive in hardiness zones 2 through 11, making them accessible to gardeners across most of North America. The variety earns its place in cutting gardens and borders with blooms that feel both elegant and generous, sprouting in just 10 to 14 days from seed.
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Moderate
2-11
4in H x ?in W
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High
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Fluffy, fully double pincushion blooms open in a lovely light lavender that feels both regal and soft. The flowers reach 3 to 4 inches across atop sturdy 30 inch stems, offering excellent material for cutting and floral design. This heirloom variety performs reliably in beds, borders, and containers, thriving with just 8 to 12 hours of sun and moderate watering.
Gala Lavender Aster shines as a cutting flower, with stems tall enough and blooms substantial enough to anchor floral arrangements. Gardeners grow it for beds and borders where the vertical stems create structure, and it performs equally well in containers where it brings lavender tones to intimate spaces.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow at a depth of 1/4 inch in seed starting mix, maintaining temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds sprout in 10 to 14 days. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light and keep soil consistently moist.
Harden off transplants over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 6 inches apart in full sun. Frost will kill this tender annual, so wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut stems for arrangements when blooms are fully open but still firm; the pincushion center should be visible but not yet shedding pollen. Cut stems early in the morning when stems are turgid with water, and place immediately in cool water. Flowers last 7 to 10 days in a vase with fresh, clean water changed every other day.
Pinch back young seedlings when they reach 3 to 4 inches tall to encourage bushier, more branched growth with multiple flowering stems. Remove spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering season and redirect energy into new flowers rather than seed production.
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