China Aster in Zone 2a & 2b
Callistephus chinensis
When to plant china aster in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. China Aster needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 27–Jun 3 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 25–Sep 1 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2.5 ft.
China aster is not related to the perennial garden asters despite the common name; it's a true annual grown from seed each year for its full, peony-like cut-flower blooms.
How china aster fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. China Aster needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for China Aster.
Where to buy china aster seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing china aster" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing China Aster in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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