(Callistephus chinensis) Annual. 115 days to maturity. Tower Chamois is a beautiful, easy to grow annual that produces incredibly regal, double petalled flowers. Creamy peachy blooms are so lovely! Growth Habit: upright, branching growth to 3 feet height; many branching stems per plant, each with 2-3” inch double flowers. Plants may need the support of a trellis. Sun Requirements: Full sun Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors after last Spring frost OR start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. How to Plant: Direct sow: sow seeds outdoors in soil ⅛” deep and lightly cover. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Thin young plants to 1 foot apart. Plant in succession to prolong harvest. Transplant: sow seeds indoors in flats or containers in soil ⅛” deep and cover lightly. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Transplant young plants into larger containers when true leaves appear. Harden off seedlings before transplanting after all risk of frost is passed. Space plants to 1 foot apart. When / How to Harvest: Harvest in Summer when the flowers are half open. Uses: Tower Chamois Aster is an elegant, traditional cut flower with long vase life.
