Callistephus chinensis
DESCRIPTION
Here we have a really cheeky aster in light pink tones. The thin, dense petals create a ruffled look that will lift any bouquet. Very productive variety with a long vase life.
LIFE CYCLE: ONE YEAR
HEIGHT: 60-90 CM
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
GROWING POSITION: SUN/PART SHADE
SEEDS/BAG: APPROX. 30 PCS
PRE-CULTIVATION
SOWING TIME: MARCH-APRIL
SOWING DEPTH: 0.2 CM
GROOMING TIME: 5-15 DGR
FINAL PLANTING
PLANT SPACING: 30 CM
ROW SPACING: 30 CM
HARVEST FESTIVAL: APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS AFTER SOWING
SOWING AND HARVESTING ASTER
Growing location : Grown outdoors/in a flowerbed, in a pallet collar or larger pot on the balcony in a sunny position (6-7h sun/day)-partially shaded position (3-5h sun/day).
AT SOWING
Sow the aster indoors in March-April depending on how early flowering you want. Place the briquette in lukewarm water and let it swell. Place on a dish or growing tray. Stick a seed about 0.5 cm into the growing briquette and cover the seed with some of the briquette's coconut fibers. It can also be sown in a smaller pot filled with planting soil.
Mark the sowing with markers. Specify the variety and date.
Cover the seeds with a transparent cover with air holes. Tip – use a greenhouse with a plastic lid and place a capillary mat in the bottom to provide an even and good water supply. Place on a heating floor or heating mat for extra fast germination.
Water regularly - never let the seeds dry out!
1-2 WEEKS AFTER SOWING
Provide light . When the seed germinates, usually after 5-15 days, it needs light. Remove the plastic and place the seed in a brighter and cooler place.
RETRAINING
Repot the plant when it has 4 leaves, to give it more space. Plant it in a pot measuring approximately 7x7cm -10x10 cm, which is filled with nutritious potting soil. Plant at the same depth as the plant was previously. Water with lukewarm water. Here the plants are then allowed to grow before it is time to plant out.
Top the plant when it is about 10-15 cm, i.e. cut off the top just above the second or third pair of leaves to get new shoots to grow.
FINAL PLANTING
Harden off the plant when the risk of frost is over, to accustom it to the outdoor environment. Start with 1 hour/day and gradually increase the time outside. Avoid direct sunlight which is too strong for the tender leaves. After a week or so it is ready for a permanent life outdoors.
Plant the plant in its growing location, for example in a flower bed or pallet collar, with 20 cm between each plant and 40 cm between each row. Plant in well-fertilized soil. Make sure to support the flower so that it can reach its full potential. Use a support stick or let it wind its way up through chicken wire that is attached over the pallet collar or flower bed. Fertilize a few times during the season.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Harvest and enjoy about 4 months after sowing and you can then enjoy showy bouquets right up until the first frost.
