China Aster Powder Puff

450 seeds

🗓️ When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost.

• Outdoors: Sow after the last frost, but indoor sowing is preferred for an earlier bloom and to avoid transplant shock.

🌱 How to Sow Indoors (Recommended)

1. Prepare Containers

   • Use seed trays or small pots filled with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.

2. Sow the Seeds

   • Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep.

   • Lightly cover with soil and gently firm down.

3. Watering

   • Mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds.

   • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

4. Provide Light and Warmth

   • Ideal temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C).

   • Place in a sunny window or under grow lights (12–14 hours/day).

5. Germination

   • Takes about 7–14 days.

🌿 After Germination

• When seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant into larger pots or thin if needed.

• Harden off before planting outside by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

🌼 Transplanting Outdoors

• Wait until after all frost danger has passed.

• Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.

• Spacing: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) apart.

• Avoid planting in the same spot as previous years to reduce risk of soil-borne diseases.

🌾 Growing Tips

• Water regularly during dry spells, keeping water off the foliage to prevent mildew.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

• May need staking in windy areas due to tall flower stems.

• Avoid over-fertilizing — it may cause more foliage and fewer blooms.