Aster, China ‘Giant Princess Formula Mixed’

This is a terrific cut flower strain with very large flowers, 6 to 9cm diameter, held on sturdy upright stems. The colours range is excellent, blue, light blue, rose red, salmon, white and yellow. Height 90cm width 30 to 40cm. China Asters are old fashioned cut flowers. My uncle used to grow them when I worked for him as a boy 60 years ago.

When to sow: Spring to early summer

Where to sow: In seed trays or pots or direct sow

Depth to sow: 1-3mm Aspect: Full sun or as sunny a spot as possible.

Soil: Prepared, well drained, fertilised soil. Add lime if soil is too acid.

Spacing: Between plants: 40cm

Directions: Seed can be sown 1mm deep in a seed tray or small pot in a polyhouse or glasshouse in late winter or early spring and planted out when the danger of frost is over. They can also be sown in their permanent spot in the garden later in the spring when the soil warms up and frosty nights are past. Don’t let the seed dry out before it germinates.