A trio of Valkyrie Purple Aster flowers on white background.
A single Valkyrie Purple Aster bloom with a leaf on a white background.
Valkyrie Purple Aster flowers arranged in a small glass vase on white.
Valkyrie Purple Asters arranged in a green glass planter on white.
Several Valkyrie Purple Asters resting on a white background.
Valkyrie Purple Asters growing i the outside gardens at Baker Creek.
A trio of Valkyrie Purple Aster flowers on white background.
A single Valkyrie Purple Aster bloom with a leaf on a white background.
Valkyrie Purple Aster flowers arranged in a small glass vase on white.
Valkyrie Purple Asters arranged in a green glass planter on white.
Several Valkyrie Purple Asters resting on a white background.
Valkyrie Purple Asters growing i the outside gardens at Baker Creek.

Aster Seeds,
Valkyrie Purple

51 ReviewSKU: #FL442Min. seed count: 35
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Description

Valkyrie Purple stuns with rich, velvety blooms and dramatic, needle-like petals. This bold China aster is perfect for bouquets and borders, prized for its long vase life, sturdy stems, and unforgettable color.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Callistephus chinensis
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
110–120
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
10–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–75°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Valkyrie Purple earns its 10 to 12 inches of space: the dramatic, needle-like petals and deep velvety color read just as well left standing in a border as they do cut for the vase. Sow in spring, 1/8 inch deep, and look for seedlings in 10 to 14 days. Grow in full sun in a 65 to 75 F range. This half-hardy annual is not frost hardy and takes 110 to 120 days from sowing to bloom, so start it early enough in the season to finish, but set plants out only after frost has passed.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 10-20 days.
  • Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct seed outdoors after last frost.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70 F.
  • Special note: When sowing your own saved seed, it is helpful to stratify (cold treat) seeds for 2 weeks before sowing.

How to Grow

  • Prefers full sun to light shade, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture.
  • Space plants to 8-12 inches apart.
  • Plants will not rebloom after cutting.
  • Succession plant every few weeks for continuous blooming.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Asters can be susceptible to disease and pests.

  • Asters Yellow is a bacteria that is transmitted by leafhoppers. This bacterium has virus-like symptoms and is not treatable, but it can be prevented by covering plants with row cover until bloom time to keep the hoppers off of your plants when they are young and most vulnerable.
  • Rust and Botrytis, aka gray mold, are both caused by excessive moisture at the crown of the plant; avoid this by spacing plants 12 inches apart and keeping the garden weeded to encourage better airflow. Serenade is an organically approved spray that will treat fungal issues such as rust and mold.

How to Save Seeds

  • China asters are insect pollinated; they can become cross-pollinated if not grown in isolation of at least 1/4 mile or caged with bags over the blooms and hand-pollinated to prevent insects from meddling and crossing pollen.
  • Seeds are ready to harvest as soon as they become fuzzy. Cut plants and hang dry over a tarp to catch the seeds.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 3 years.

FAQ

How deep should I sow Valkyrie Purple aster seed, and how long until it comes up?

Plant the seed 1/8 inch deep. Germination takes 10 to 14 days.

Will Valkyrie Purple take a frost?

No. It is listed as not frost hardy, and it grows as an annual.

Does Valkyrie Purple hold up in a vase?

It is prized for its long vase life and sturdy stems, and this China aster is listed for cut flower and ornamental use. The rich, velvety purple blooms are described as perfect for bouquets and borders.
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