Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Aster Giants of California
Aster Giants of California
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Aster 'Giants of California' Seeds
If you want cut flowers that look like they came from a high-end florist, 'Giants of California' is the variety to choose. Bred for sheer scale, it produces enormous, fully double blooms up to 12cm across that look like shaggy, exotic Chrysanthemums.
The stems are exceptionally long and sturdy (up to 60-70cm), holding the heavy heads upright without drooping. The mix includes a sophisticated palette of rose-pink, violet, peach, crimson, and pure white. Blooming late in the season (August to October), they provide a second wind of colour when the rest of the garden is starting to tire.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
The China Aster is a Half-Hardy Annual.
This "Giant" strain was developed in Santa Maria, California, specifically for the cut flower trade. It is distinct from the single-flowered types, offering a much fuller, "ostrich plume" petal structure that lasts incredibly long in a vase.
The "Double" Bloom: The flowers are so packed with petals that the yellow centre is rarely seen until the flower is very old. This gives them a luxurious, pom-pom appearance.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
China Asters need a little care to get started, but the reward is huge.
Germination:
Sow indoors from March to April. Sow onto the surface of moist compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite (approx 3mm). Keep at 18-21°C. Germination takes 10-14 days.
Where to Sow:
Plant out after the last frost (late May/June). They need full sun and rich, moisture-retentive soil. Dig in some organic matter before planting.
Care While Growing:
Rotation: Asters can suffer from soil-borne diseases (Fusarium wilt) if grown in the same spot year after year. Always move them to a new bed each season.
Support: These are tall plants with heavy heads! Use netting or canes to stop them toppling in autumn winds.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Callistephus chinensis |
| Common Name | China Aster 'Giants of California' |
| Hardiness | H2 (Half-Hardy - Needs Frost Protection) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 60cm - 75cm (Very Tall) |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 30cm apart |
| Great for | ✂️ Professional Cut Flowers 🍂 Late Summer Colour 🦋 Pollinators 💐 Wedding Bouquets |
| Seed Count | Approx. 100 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
These majestic blooms need partners that won't overwhelm them:
- 🌿 Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The Filler. The lacy white umbrellas of Ammi act as the perfect filler foliage, softening the bold, solid shapes of the giant Asters in a vase or border.
- 🧡 Calendula 'Indian Prince': The Late Bloomer. Both plants flower late into the season. The deep orange of the Calendula creates a warm, autumnal contrast with the violet and pink Asters.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers August to October.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||||
| Plant Out | 🌱 | 🌱 | ||||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Cut Flower Tip
China Asters have excellent vase life. Remove all leaves that would sit below the water line to keep the water clean. They can last up to two weeks in a cool room!
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
This variety is a Fleuroselect Quality Mark Winner, recognised for its garden performance, uniformity, and stunning unique flower form.
