Aster Seeds, Valkyrie Salmon
An arrangement of Valkyrie Salmon Asters in a mason jar against a white background.
A close-up view of Valkyrie Salmon Asters.
A couple of Valkyrie Salmon Asters on a white background.
Valkyrie Salmon Asters in a light pink vase with a bouquet beside the arrangement.
Valkyrie Salmon Asters growing at the Baker Creek Seed Farm in Mansfield, Missouri.
Aster Seeds, Valkyrie Salmon
An arrangement of Valkyrie Salmon Asters in a mason jar against a white background.
A close-up view of Valkyrie Salmon Asters.
A couple of Valkyrie Salmon Asters on a white background.
Valkyrie Salmon Asters in a light pink vase with a bouquet beside the arrangement.
Valkyrie Salmon Asters growing at the Baker Creek Seed Farm in Mansfield, Missouri.

Aster Seeds,
Valkyrie Salmon

51 ReviewSKU: #FL397Min. seed count: 35
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Description

A total showstopper, this variety bursts with soft pink-orange petals that glow with warm, feel-good vibes. It's playful, a little unexpected, and totally irresistible. Part of the Valkyrie range, a distinctive type of China aster (Callistephus chinensis), celebrated for its large, showy blooms featuring elegant needle-like or quilled petals.Thanks to their long vase life and sturdy stems, they are ideal for cut flower arrangements. We love these!

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

Give Valkyrie Salmon the whole season: it needs 110 to 120 days from sowing to flower, so plan a spring start and work backward from when you want those soft pink-orange blooms. Sow 1/8 inch deep; seedlings emerge in 10 to 14 days. This China aster is not frost hardy, and its planting window is spring. Grow it in full sun with 10 to 12 inches between plants, at an ideal temperature of 65 to 75°F.

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 much space does each Valkyrie Salmon plant need?

Allow 10 to 12 inches between plants, in full sun. The plants are medium height.

How long before Valkyrie Salmon blooms?

Plan on 110 to 120 days from sowing, which puts it in the over-100-days group. Seed germinates in 10 to 14 days, and the rest of that time is growing on.

What makes the Valkyrie range different from other China asters?

Valkyrie is a distinctive type of Callistephus chinensis known for large, showy blooms with elegant needle-like or quilled petals. Salmon carries that form in a soft pink-orange, on the long-lasting, sturdy stems the range is cut for.
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