Aster Seeds - Giants of California

The Giants of California Aster is a majestic, large-flowered variety that delivers an impressive display of color to your garden. Known for its tall stature and massive blooms, this aster creates a striking focal point in flower beds, borders, and containers. Its vibrant colors range from pinks to purples, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to make a bold statement. With a long flowering period, it attracts pollinators and brings late-season color to your garden.

Key Benefits

• Large, Showy Blooms: Giants of California Aster produces large, daisy-like flowers in a wide range of colors including pink, purple, and lavender, creating a spectacular visual impact.
• Tall and Sturdy: This variety grows tall (up to 3 feet) with strong stems, making it an excellent addition to the back of flower beds and borders.
• Long Blooming Period: Enjoy a vibrant display of color from late summer through fall, extending the beauty of your garden during the cooler months.
• Attracts Pollinators: The large flowers are perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to your garden.

Variety Features

• Flower Type: Large, showy, daisy-like flowers with a yellow center and a mix of pink, purple, or lavender petals.
• Height: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall, making it ideal for the back of flower beds or as a dramatic centerpiece.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late summer through fall, ensuring continued color when many other plants are finished flowering.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

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

Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Water deeply during dry spells to prevent wilting. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Asters benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring and again mid-season. Over-fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to weak stems and excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Pinch back the stems in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming and maintain the plant's appearance.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: For the best cut flowers, harvest when the blooms are fully open but not yet starting to wilt. Cut the stems at an angle and place them in water immediately.
• Storage: Fresh-cut asters can last for up to a week in a vase. Change the water regularly to extend their vase life.

Storage

• Drying: Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dark place to dry. Once dried, the flowers can be used in arrangements or crafts.
• Vase Care: Place cut flowers in a clean vase with fresh water to ensure longevity.

Culinary Uses

• While typically grown for ornamental purposes, aster flowers can be used as edible garnishes in salads or desserts, adding a pop of color.

Conclusion

Aster Seeds - Giants of California is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic, eye-catching addition to their landscape. Its tall stature, large blooms, and long flowering period make it perfect for creating a bold visual display in your garden. Easy to grow and care for, this variety adds late-season color, attracts pollinators, and enhances any flower bed or container with its impressive blooms. Whether you are using it in a border, as a cut flower, or as part of a wildflower garden, the Giants of California Aster is sure to make a lasting impression.