A single Matsumoto Blue Aster bloom on a white background.
Matsumoto Blue Asters against a white background.
An arrangement of Matsumoto Blue Asters in an inkwell bottle with a Japanese paintbrush on white.
Matsumoto Blue Asters in a wooden box from Japan on a white background.
Hands holding a bouquet of Matsumoto Blue Asters.
Close-up of a Matsumoto Blue Aster blooming in garden showcasing vibrant yellow center.
A single Matsumoto Blue Aster bloom on a white background.
Matsumoto Blue Asters against a white background.
An arrangement of Matsumoto Blue Asters in an inkwell bottle with a Japanese paintbrush on white.
Matsumoto Blue Asters in a wooden box from Japan on a white background.
Hands holding a bouquet of Matsumoto Blue Asters.
Close-up of a Matsumoto Blue Aster blooming in garden showcasing vibrant yellow center.

Aster Seeds,
Matsumoto Blue

4.511 ReviewsSKU: #FL367Min. seed count: 75
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Description

A marvelous semi-double bloomed aster with blazing blue petals and contrasting yellow centers. Plants stand 26 inches tall, with semi-double blooms reaching 2 inches across. This is a stunning selection, perfect for pots on the patio, beds, borders, and more.

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
90
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 on for several weeks, then carefully set them out after your last frost. These asters are not frost hardy, and they require full sun and rich soil. Figure on about 90 days from sowing to bloom, and remove spent blooms to prolong 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 do Matsumoto Blue flowers look like?

Semi-double blooms about 2 inches across, with blazing blue petals and contrasting yellow centers, on plants that stand 26 inches tall.

Does deadheading help?

Yes. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season.

How should the seed be sown and spaced?

Sow 1/4 inch deep and grow plants 6 to 12 inches apart. Germination takes about 10 to 14 days.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Deep purple-blue blooms: More violet than true blue, with a bright yellow center.

  • Great for bouquets: Good stem length, many blooms, and they last in a vase.

  • Tough plants: Shrugged off rain, bugs, and neglect once established.

  • Grown again every year: Many plan to sow it again next season.

  • Heads up: A few report patchy germination; sow extra seed.

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