Plant This Pretty Annual For Big, Pretty Flowers That Pollinators Can't Stay Away From

If you are looking for a flower that not only looks beautiful but also produces plentiful blooms that attract pollinators, China aster (callistephus chinensis) should definitely be on your list. It is a cool-season annual of the daisy family known for its big, bold, and beautiful blooms and easy-to-grow nature. It is also quite popular in cut flower arrangements, thanks to its durability and excellent vase life. Even better? China aster comes in a range of cultivars, some as short as 8 inches, while others are as tall as 36 inches. The flowers are large, easily reaching 3 to 5 inches in size, and come in various colors in both single and double flower forms. If you want a versatile flower that will fit into any design or garden layout, China aster is an ideal choice.

However, its appeal doesn't end with just its beauty. China aster is good for the environment, too. It provides nectar for bees, especially long-tongued bees, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds as well. This makes it especially appealing for gardeners who want something beautiful and practical at the same time. It blooms from early summer to fall, allowing a steady source of food for the tiny creatures around. However, China aster is susceptible to quite a few pests and diseases, especially when grown in the same spot year after year. So, if you are trying to create a low-maintenance flower garden or use the easiest plants to grow for beginner gardeners, it might not be the right choice.

Start China aster indoors from seed at least 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Just make sure to use good quality seeds. There are many good companies to buy your garden seeds from, including Park Seed and Renee's Garden. When the weather has warmed and the risk of frost has gone, you can transplant the seedlings outside. If you want, you can sow China asters directly outside as well after frost. However, this will obviously delay and shorten the blooming period a bit.

Use a consistently moist soil that drains well and plant your China asters in partial shade to full sun. But don't let the soil dry out, especially if you are growing them in pots or containers, as contained plants dry out significantly faster. As for the soil pH, keep it slightly acidic to neutral between 5.5 and 7.5. There are many home-based soil testing kits available on the market that you can use to check the pH of your soil.

If you want your China aster plants to produce plenty of big blooms, keep the soil fertile. So, either grow them in organically rich soil or use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer before sowing the seed. Just make sure not to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Doing so can push leafy growth instead of boosting the flowers. Even worse? It can also increase the pest and disease load on plants.