Asters

Basic Information

Seed Number

136

Seed Name

Asters

Variety

Gala Lavender

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

China aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 6 – May 31

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

10–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

100 days to bloom

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

68-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

6-12 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

6-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep soil consistently moist but well drained; avoid prolonged wet foliage

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil; approximately pH 5.5-7.5

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

30-31 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors early; transplant
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jun 15
Germination Time: 14–30+ days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Blooms year 2 usually
Container Friendly: Yes, well-drained pot
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Aromatic/herbal
Succession / Reusable Notes: Slow and fussy from seed; cold stratification may help.
Zone 6B Notes: Hardy types do best with dry, well-drained soil.
Companion Plants: Roses, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, fruiting vegetables nearby
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Wet soil, shade
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the May 5 last frost or direct sow after frost. Gala Lavender is a cool-season China aster and performs best before prolonged summer heat.
Germination: Cover seed lightly and maintain approximately 68-70°F. Germination generally occurs in 10-14 days.
Harvest: Harvest when the outer florets begin opening. The fully double lavender pincushion blooms are particularly suited to floral design.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to fully mature and dry. China asters can cross with nearby Callistephus chinensis varieties.
Special Care: Rotate China asters to a different garden location each year where possible because soilborne aster wilt can persist. Avoid overhead watering and provide good airflow.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/aster-gala-lavender — Gala Lavender identity, 10-14 day germination, temperature, 1/4-inch depth, 6-12 inch spacing, 30-inch height and full-sun requirement
Research Source: Benary — https://www.benary.com/products/callistephus-chinensis-gala/gala-lavender-cc0206r — cultivar identity, 10-12 day germination at 68-70°F, pot/container suitability and cut-flower use
Research Source: Osborne Quality Seeds — https://www.osborneseed.com/products/gala-lavender-untreated-aster-seeds — 30-inch height, annual habit and 100-day maturity
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]