Aster 'King White'

King White Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Majestic and luminous, King White Aster opens in lavish domes of pure, radiant white. Each bloom reaches up to 3 inches across, its slightly curled petals layered like fine silk, creating a flower that feels both classic and commanding. Held aloft on tall, upright stems, the blossoms seem to float above the foliage—bright, sculptural, and beautifully refined.

A favourite for wedding work and late-summer bouquets, King White brings clarity and calm to any palette. Pair with Lavender Scabiosa for a cool, serene composition, or with Linen Zinnias for a soft, neutral harmony. A timeless bloom with impeccable presence: stately, elegant, and endlessly versatile.

A pristine and classic bloom that lends clean, fresh light and graceful structure wherever it flourishes, adding a touch of elegance and serene beauty to late summer and early autumn gardens.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 10-14 days at 21-22°C

HEIGHT: 30-40"

MATURITY: 110-120 Days

SPACING: 9-12”

PINCH: Not Necessary

HOW TO GROW:
Transplanting (recommended): Start seeds indoors in trays 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Do not bury seeds deeply; lightly cover with soil or vermiculite, as light aids germination. To avoid displacing the seeds, mist or bottom water gently. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors once soil temperatures consistently reach 18–$21°C$. Thin seedlings to a final spacing of 6–12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Pinching and Support: Pinching isn't strictly necessary for asters, it is a tool you can use to encourage branching and a more abundant harvest of blooms Provide support with stakes, a trellis, or netting, especially for taller varieties.

Soil Preference and Watering: China aster prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and establishment. Once mature, water regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to disease.

Fertilizing: China aster is a heavy feeder. Amend the soil with compost before planting. For optimal growth and blooms, fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are about three-quarters of the way open. Cut in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.