A single Benary&
Hands holding a bouquet of Benary&
Benary&
Close-up view of Benary&
A blue vase full of Benary&
A single Benary&
Hands holding a bouquet of Benary&
Benary&
Close-up view of Benary&
A blue vase full of Benary&

Aster Seeds,
Benary's Princess Bright Red

51 ReviewSKU: #FL394Min. seed count: 35
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Description

A rare and wonderful color! Blazing and bold crimson-rose color with fully double petals make this a top choice for design in the landscape or as a cut flower. 3- to 4-inch blooms are magnificent to behold. Vibrant blooms sit atop 28-inch tall stems.

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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
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
6–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow this China aster outdoors in spring once danger of frost has passed, setting the seed 1/4 inch deep in full sun; the plants are not frost hardy and will not take a freeze at either end of the season. Sprouts appear in about 10 to 14 days. Benary's Princess is one of the longer-season asters offered here, needing 110 to 120 days from sowing before the first fully double crimson-rose blooms open on their 28-inch stems, so get it in the ground as early after frost as the soil allows.

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

What makes Benary's Princess Bright Red good for cutting?

Fully double, 3- to 4-inch blooms in a rare blazing crimson-rose sit atop 28-inch stems, a top choice for design in the landscape or as a cut flower.

How far apart should the plants be?

Space or thin plants to 6 to 12 inches apart in full sun.

How long from sowing to the first cut stems?

Allow 110 to 120 days. Seed sown 1/4 inch deep germinates in 10 to 14 days, and this is one of the slower asters to reach bloom, so it wants the full season ahead of it.
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