Dwarf Aster "Thousand Wonders Salmon Rose"

150 seeds

How to Seed Dwarf Aster ‘Thousand Wonders Salmon Rose’ (Callistephus chinensis)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as the Gulf’s heat and humidity can cause weak germination and pest problems.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist, well-drained soil.
   Cover lightly and mist gently with water to maintain even moisture.

3. Soil:
   Prefers rich, loose, well-drained soil with good organic content.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid soggy or compact soil to prevent root rot.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F).

   • Requires bright light or full morning sun.

   • In the Gulf, full morning sun with partial shade after noon ensures healthy growth and long-lasting blooms.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–14 days under ideal warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings reach 5–8 cm tall and have 2–3 true leaves, transplant gently to pots or garden beds.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for bushy, compact flowering.

   • Harden seedlings before exposing them fully to the sun.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full morning sun and light shade during hot afternoons.

   • Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage abundant flowering.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms (deadhead) to promote new flowers.

   • The ‘Thousand Wonders Salmon Rose’ produces compact plants with soft pink-salmon double blooms, ideal for borders, pots, and decorative flower beds.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf.