China Aster Seeds - Ostrich Feather Mix

The China Aster Ostrich Feather Mix offers a unique and striking display of flowers with feathery, fringed petals that resemble ostrich feathers. This mix features an array of bright, vibrant colors, including pink, red, purple, and white, which make it a perfect addition to flower beds, containers, and bouquets. The delicate, ruffled appearance of the flowers adds a touch of elegance to any garden or floral arrangement.

Key Benefits

• Feathery Petals: Features delicate, fringed petals that resemble ostrich feathers, creating a unique and elegant flower shape.
• Colorful Variety: The Ostrich Feather Mix includes an array of bright colors such as pink, red, purple, and white.
• Compact Growth: These asters grow in a compact, bushy form, making them ideal for small gardens, containers, or flower beds.
• Long Blooming Period: Blooms profusely from mid-summer to fall, providing months of vibrant color.
• Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to these flowers, adding to the biodiversity of your garden.

Variety Features

• Flower Type: Feathery, fringed petals that give a soft, delicate appearance.
• Height: Grows between 12-18 inches, ideal for borders, containers, or smaller garden spaces.
• Bloom Time: Flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall, ensuring a long-lasting show of color.
• Flower Colors: Includes a mix of vibrant hues, including pink, red, purple, and white.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Spring: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after the last frost has passed.

Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Full sun is recommended for the best flower production.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep, lightly covering them with soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6-12 inches apart to allow them to grow and spread.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water at the base of the plants to minimize fungal diseases.
• During dry spells, water deeply and consistently.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and again during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant flowers.

Pruning

• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming and to keep the plant looking tidy.
• Pinch back early growth to encourage a bushier, more compact plant.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest flowers when they are fully open, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Storage: After cutting, immediately place them in water. Change the water every two days and re-cut the stems for maximum freshness.

Storage

• Drying: China asters can be dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Dried flowers can be used for wreaths, dried arrangements, or potpourri.
• Vase Care: Change the water regularly to extend the vase life of cut flowers.

Culinary Uses

• While China asters are not typically used in cooking, the petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, cakes, or desserts.

Conclusion

China Aster Seeds - Ostrich Feather Mix is a stunning variety known for its feathery, fringed petals and vibrant colors. Perfect for gardeners who want a unique and elegant look, this mix adds a touch of sophistication to any garden, whether used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers. With its long blooming period, compact growth habit, and ability to attract pollinators, the Ostrich Feather Mix is a great choice for gardeners looking to enhance their flower displays and enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the summer and fall.