GALA MIX Callistephus Chinensis (Benary) – 1,000 seeds

Item no.: F5351

Also Known as: The China Aster or Aster.

Petals: Pincushion petals

Sow Time– January for flowering in May (artificial long days); May for flowering in September (natural day length); July for flowering in January (artificial long days).

Best Uses: Bedding, Cutflower

Germination: 10-12 days at 68-70 °F (20-21 °C), cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. To prevent premature flowering, keep plants vegetative with a four hour night interruption

Temperature: Grow at 12-15 °C. Callistephus do not grow temperatures below 8 °C and do not tolerate frost. The lower the temperature, the better the plant habit but onset of flowering will be a little delayed. Lower temperatures combined with short days cause the development of a leaf rosette and short stems.

Fertilization: Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. High nitrogen levels will cause smooth stems. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.
Field: N min soil value: approximately 150 g/m².