How to grow China aster seeds? A detailed guide to sowing time and flower language

China aster is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant, native to Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. It grows on hillside wasteland, hillside grass, watersides or in sparse shady forests. So do you know what the seed planting methods for China aster are? What is its flower language? When should it be sown? According to grower Sister Wu, China aster sown in May——June will bloom in August——September. Sown in August, it blooms in May——June of the following year.

China aster seed planting methods

1. Soil: China aster is not strict about soil and can generally grow with only slight soil management, but it prefers soil rich in humus and with good drainage.

2. Watering: China aster has a relatively shallow root system and likes moisture while fearing dryness. During growth and development it needs sufficient watering to keep the soil moist, and attention should be paid to cultivating and preserving soil moisture. Soil that is too wet easily leads to disease. After budding, watering should be appropriately controlled to inhibit elongation of the main stem.

3. Sunlight: China aster is a long-day plant and is relatively sensitive to day length. Under long-day conditions of 15 hours per day, the plant stays dwarf and flowering can be earlier. If treated with short days, the plant grows taller and flowering is delayed.

4. Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for China aster is 15-25°C, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 3°C. If below 0°C, the stems and leaves are prone to frost damage. Conversely, if the summer temperature exceeds 30°C, flowering is delayed or poor.

5. Fertilizing: China aster likes fertilizer, so when planting, fully decomposed organic fertilizer should be applied as a base fertilizer. After the seedlings are transplanted and have recovered, thin liquid fertilizer can be applied as a top dressing, and thereafter a top dressing should be applied about once every 1 month to promote strong plants, lush leaves and bright flower colors.

6. Pests and diseases: China aster is relatively prone to leaf spot, yellows, rust and other diseases. Diseased plants should be removed promptly when found, and from the start continuous cropping, waterlogging, poor ventilation and high-temperature high-humidity environments should be avoided; when fertilizing, take care not to contaminate the leaf surface; when it rains, prevent mud from splashing up onto the leaf surface and spreading pathogens.

7. Pruning: China aster generally does not need pinching, but in order for the flower heads on the main stem to fully display the variety's characteristics, some side branches should be appropriately thinned.

What is the flower language of China aster?

China aster is generally used for potted plants and courtyard viewing. Its flower language is pursuing reliable love, please believe me, do you love me or not, my love is deeper than yours.

China aster has many flower languages, but when truly understood, its flower language is actually silently guarding love and unwavering faith.

China aster has rich flower colors, including white, pale yellow, pink, pale red, pale blue, purple and so on. In fact, each color also has its own flower language.

Red China aster represents active passionate love.

Blue China aster represents eternal love.

Purple China aster represents fervent pursuit.

White China aster represents pure love.

Yellow China aster represents friendship plus love.

Only by understanding the meaning represented by each color can you choose the right flower color and give it to the right person.