Aster Pompon 'Light Blue' (Callistephus chinensis) Non GMO - Open pollinated Flower
Aster Pompon 'Light Blue' (Callistephus chinensis) Non GMO - Open pollinated Flower
Aster Pompon 'Light Blue,' scientifically known as Callistephus chinensis, is a delightful annual flowering plant that enchants gardens with its delicate, light blue pom-pom-like blooms. These charming flowers are a beloved addition to any garden, bringing a touch of elegance and whimsy to borders, containers, or cutting gardens. The intricate, double-layered petals of the 'Light Blue' variety make it a standout choice for floral arrangements and bouquets.
**Growing Instructions:**
1. **Planting Time:** Sow Aster Pompon 'Light Blue' seeds in the spring when the threat of frost has passed, or you can start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
2. **Location:** Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Aster Pompon 'Light Blue' thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
3. **Soil Preparation:** Prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH soil is ideal.
4. **Sowing Seeds:** Plant the seeds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Space them approximately 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period. Once established, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
6. **Fertilization:** Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer according to package instructions to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.
7. **Thinning:** If you started your seeds indoors and have multiple seedlings in one container, thin them to leave the strongest seedling, ensuring proper spacing when transplanting outdoors.
8. **Support:** Provide support such as stakes or a trellis for tall varieties to prevent them from flopping over.
9. **Deadheading:** Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
10. **Harvest:** You can cut 'Light Blue' Aster Pompon blooms for fresh flower arrangements or bouquets. This also helps the plant produce more flowers.
- Prefers full sun (can tolerate part shade but full sun recommended)
- moist well draining soil
- Great cutting flower or striking in a cottage garden or at the back of a border
- Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before all risk of frost has passed in small pots with seed starting peat free mix. Provide a bright light and a soil temperature of 10-15°C (65-70°F)
- Harden off and transplant to garden when seeds are strong enough to handle and all risk of frost has passed.
- OR direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date. Allow for 6 to 8 inches apart. Just cover the seeds lightly and water in
- Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
- Attracts butterflies
- Harvesting Seeds: each tiny seed is attached to a tuft of fine, fluffy down that makes seeds easy to harvest. Snip off the seed heads after the down dries out and turns off-white, then simply pull off the seeds by hand and spread them on a baking sheet to dry out for one or two days. Keep in a dark cool place until you want to start the growing process again.
- Seed Count: 30 seeds