Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster flowers arranged on a white background.
Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster flowers arranged on wooden background.
A floral arrangement of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters with lotus pods on white.
An overhead view of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters arranged on a white background.
A single Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster on a white background.
A pair of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters on a white background with foliage.
Aster Seeds, Matsumoto Formula Mixed
A trio of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters on a white background.
Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster flowers arranged on a white background.
Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster flowers arranged on wooden background.
A floral arrangement of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters with lotus pods on white.
An overhead view of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters arranged on a white background.
A single Matsumoto Formula Mixed Aster on a white background.
A pair of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters on a white background with foliage.
Aster Seeds, Matsumoto Formula Mixed
A trio of Matsumoto Formula Mixed Asters on a white background.

Aster Seeds,
Matsumoto Formula Mixed

4.73 ReviewsSKU: #FL352Min. seed count: 75
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Description

A stunning rainbow of color from beautiful Japan. A vivid mix of double-flowered asters, with impressive disease tolerance. This blend of bold purple, fuchsia, lavender, pink, red, white, and apricot is a perfect fit for containers, beds, borders, and of course, cut flower design! The sturdy stems reach 24-30 inches in length. 2-3 inch diameter flowers with yellow centers. The extra-full petals with their attractive colors are highly desired for floral design, making incredible arrangements. Asters have long graced beds and borders and cottage gardens. Even the famous gardening president, Thomas Jefferson, was said to have an appreciation for the sturdy and brilliant blooms of China asters. Flower farmers and supporters of the slow flowers movement especially appreciate the peony flowering asters, which look regal and expensive but are really easy growing and rugged in nature and much less fussy than actual peonies.

Growing Tips: Sow in place in spring, or start plants indoors and grow for several weeks. Carefully set out after last frost. Requires full sun and rich soil. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season.   More Aster Growing Tips >>

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Callistephus chinensis
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
6–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow in place in spring, or start plants indoors and grow them for several weeks before carefully setting them out after your last frost, as these asters are not frost hardy. Sow about 1/4 inch deep and expect seedlings in 10-14 days, with plants spaced 6-12 inches apart. Give them full sun and rich soil, and plan on about 100 days to bloom. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season.

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 colors are in the Matsumoto Formula Mixed?

It is a vivid blend of double-flowered asters in bold purple, fuchsia, lavender, pink, red, white, and apricot, with 2-3 inch diameter flowers that have yellow centers.

How tall are the stems, and are they good for arrangements?

The sturdy stems reach 24-30 inches in length. The extra-full petals and their attractive colors are highly desired for floral design, and the mix is also a perfect fit for containers, beds, and borders.

Is this mix difficult to grow?

These asters have impressive disease tolerance. They do need full sun and rich soil, and plants should only go outdoors after the last frost has passed.
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