<p>Gracious pastel pinks, purples and white cut flowers bloom well into fall on 1m (36 in.) tall branching plants. Fully double 5cm (2 in.) powderpuffs have a yellow centre which disappears when mature. Approx. 425 seeds/g.</p><p>Direct-seed mid-May through mid-June. Sow 3mm (1/8 in.) deep. Germinates at 21 C (70 F) in 12 days. Blooms in 12 weeks in full sun and rather poor soil. It will do well even in partial shade. Seeds can be started indoors six weeks before the last frost. Make successive sowings through the summer for a continuous supply of cut flowers as once cut, they will not rebloom. Space 20cm (8 in.) apart. Avoid planting China asters in the same soil twice as they are subject to fungal diseases that might overwinter in the soil.</p><p>Callistephus is from the Greek, meaning beautiful crown, and applies to the fruit rather than the flower. These plants, originally from China, have now been bred into many varieties.</p>
