The Matsumoto Aster, also known as the Japanese Aster (Callistephus), features lengthy, sturdy stems topped with incredibly soft, brightly colored petals. The long-lasting flowers come in colors of red, hot pink, pink, purple, lavender, and bi-color which surround a rich, yellow center; an arrangement reminiscent of a crown or a star.
Matsumoto Asters are fun to grow, and unlike our tulips, irises, and lilies—which we pick while still in the bud—we let asters grow until they show full color. Another difference between Matsumotos and the previously mentioned bulb flowers, is that asters are grown from rooted seed, which requires no pre-cooling before planting, which saves us time and cooler space.
Typically, asters are a late summer/early fall variety, but we use the mild, coastal climate of our Oxnard Farm in Southern California in combination with our carefully organized hoop house program to grow them year-round. The warmth and light of our hoop houses encourages long stem lengths and formation of buds; when we're ready for the final period of development (flowering), we shorten the amount of time they're exposed to light. Soon after, the buds flower, bringing their own bright light into the world.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Sun Valley Group's Flower Talk