Aster 'China Peony Mix' Seeds

Callistephus chinensis, or the China Aster, is a plant that punches well above its weight. The 'Peony Mix' is particularly special because it produces huge, fully double blooms with incurved petals that curve inwards, looking remarkably like expensive Peonies or Chrysanthemums.

They come in a regal mix of jewel tones—rich purples, deep crimsons, soft pinks, and violets. Flowering just as the rest of the garden is starting to look a little tired in late summer, they provide a fresh burst of decadent colour that lasts right through to the first frosts.

Why Your Garden Needs 'China Peony Mix'

If you enjoy cutting flowers for the house, this is arguably the best annual you can grow. The stems are incredibly strong and upright, and the vase life is legendary—often lasting up to two weeks in water without drooping.

We also love them because they fill the "September Gap." When the summer bedding is fading but the autumn plants haven't quite started, these Asters are at their absolute peak, keeping your borders looking full and vibrant.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Callistephus is a Half-Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year (sow, flower, die) and it dislikes the cold. You start the seeds indoors in the warmth of spring, and plant them out only when the weather is officially warm (usually late May or June). They grow rapidly over the summer to put on their spectacular show in autumn.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Asters are straightforward to grow, but they appreciate a bit of pampering in the early stages.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in March or April. The seeds need warmth (approx 20°C) to germinate. Sow them on the surface of moist compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite (they need a little light to wake up). They usually germinate within 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
I highly recommend starting these indoors rather than direct sowing. Slugs love baby Aster seedlings, so getting them to a decent size in the safety of a greenhouse or windowsill before planting out gives them the best chance of survival.

Care While Growing:
Plant out in full sun. Top Tip: Move them to a fresh spot each year. Asters can be prone to a soil-borne wilt if grown in the exact same patch of earth two years in a row. They appreciate a little support (a cane or netting) as the flower heads are heavy and can catch the wind.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if these jewel-like blooms are the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Because Asters bloom late in the season, they need companions that also have stamina! Here are my top picks from the shop to grow alongside them:

• 🌸 Cosmos 'Purity': The clean white daisies of 'Purity' look absolutely stunning against the rich purples and pinks of the Aster mix. Both plants flower tirelessly until the frosts.
• ☁️ Ammi majus (Bishop's Flower): If you are growing Asters for cutting, you must grow Ammi. The white lace acts as the perfect filler foliage in a vase to support the heavy Aster heads.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Flowering begins in late summer (August) and continues into autumn.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)