China Aster in Zone 3a & 3b
Callistephus chinensis
When to plant china aster in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b 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 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated bloom | Sep 4–Sep 11 (~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 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. 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 3b 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 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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