DESCRIPTION: This is an annual that is in full beauty in August and September. They have branching growth and there are many gorgeous single- and double-flowered varieties that come in an assortment of shapes and colors. Callistephus (annual Aster) belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. The annual Asters are wonderful flowers for summer and early autumn; at that time they are especially valued for providing cut flowers. They do the best when the nights are cool; they won't bloom or grow in too hot and humid weather. Their height ranges from 18 inches to 3 feet among the varieties.
POTTING: They should have rich, porous soil and plenty of sunshine.
PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown from the middle to the end of March in a greenhouse or frame that has a temperature of 50 degrees. Sprinkle the seeds thinly. Cover them with glass and brown paper; the seeds should germinate in ten days to two weeks. As soon as the baby plants sprout, the glass and paper must be taken off so that the seedlings are fully exposed to the light. Carefully water them; if too much water is applied, they will most likely die. They must also be kept cool. When they're an inch or so high, they should be transplanted to flats that are 4 inches deep (place them 2 inches apart) and filled with a compost of sandy loam passed through a coarse sieve. A thin layer of thoroughly decayed manure should be placed at the bottom of the flat. When they are growing well they should be placed in a cold frame and planted outside, 9-12 inches apart according to variety, after all danger from frost is past. Annual Asters may be sown outside where they are to grow in the spring as soon as the soil is dry enough to work with. The seedlings should be thinned to give them plenty of room for development. They will, however, bloom later than if they had been started indoors. If they are going to be cultivated in the greenhouse, they can be sown inside from September to February to provide a succession of flowering plants. The night temperature should be 50 degrees. They can be grown in pots or benches. They need full sunlight and rich, porous soil. They'll bloom during late winter and spring from fall and winter sowings.
VARIETIES: Ostrich Plume (large, feathery blossoms); Giant Comet (similar to the Ostrich Plume, but having a greater variety of colors including pale yellow); Peony-flowered (large, incurving blooms); California Giant (huge blooms resembling the Ostrich Plume's).
Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered; Miniature Pompon; Lilliput (these three are popular for bedding schemes).
Southcote Beauty (This is one of the much valued, large-flowered varieties used for cut flowers.)