Callistephus chinensis

‘Gala Purple’

GALA PURPLE CHINA ASTER

Callistephus chinensis ‘Gala Purple’
GALA PURPLE CHINA ASTER

Callistephus chinensis ‘Gala Purple’ is a whopper.
A royal king of a whopper, for both the garden and the vase.

Whopper double pincushion blooms

The blooms on ‘Gala Purple’ are exceptionally large, with each flower measuring 8-12cm. across.
With finely rayed petals curling in like a big round, plump pincushion.

Deep rich royal purple

While the colour is also exceptional – deep, rich, royal purple of unfading intensity.
Gorgeous pincushions!!!
The whole “Gala” range are known for their intensity of colour.

Commercial cut flower & great garden show

‘Gala Purple’ is part of a breeding programme, that has produced outstanding flowers for both the floristry trade and the home garden.
So no surprise that the ‘Gala’ range of China Asters are the darlings of flower farmers and gardeners.

Excellent performer in pots, garden or field

‘Gala Purple’ performs brilliantly in the garden, in pots as well as in the commercial cut flower plot.
The “Gala” range of China Asters are also noted for their sturdy, strong growth.
Then you can dazzle friends with the size of these lovely flowers.

Specially bred for hardiness, health, profuse blooms & strong stems

“Gala” Asters have been specially bred for hardiness, disease resistance, and profuse commercial flowering on very strong, straight, clean stems (60-80cm. tall)
The plants are upstanding, and heavily branched – so each plant produces a big crop of  flowers.

Long blooming

One of the other advantages of ‘Gala Purple’ is the ability to bloom long and constantly, over a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, and over a particularly long period.
Making it a really useful commercial cut flower or an unbeatable garden display.
If you start the seeds early indoors – you can have them starting to bloom by mid-spring.
And by harvesting the flowers regularly, and repeating sowings – you will have flowers well into autumn.

Sowing for commercial cut flower crops

Commercial cut flower farmers like to sow the seeds in autumn, for flower production early in spring; then sow in spring for summer production; and sow in early summer for autumn blooms.
It then continues to bloom right through for many months.

Cut & come again plant

The more you cut the flowers – the more each plant blooms.
It is as simple as that.

Quick & easy from seed to flower

Callistephus chinensis ‘Gala Purple’ is very easy and quickly grown from seed to flower.
So you can have it in flower in just 90 days from sowing the seed.
It germinates rapidly and generously from seed.

Easy to grow in the garden

Plant Callistephus chinensis ‘Gala Purple’ in Sun to a little Part Shade.
Where it is perfect for both pot display and garden, as well as providing armloads of superb cut flowers for vases.

Water efficient

And perfectly happy with average garden watering, and well-drained soil.
With an occasional deep watering as hot weather requires.

It is a very hardy and easy growing annual.

Approx. 60-80cm High of gorgeous, huge, royal purple flowers x 25cm Wide, strong and upright growing plant.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Sow any time indoors when suitable temperatures can be provided (18-21°C).
You can use a heat mat for early & winter sowings.
OR
Scatter directly in garden in winter-early spring.
Callistephus chinensis ‘Gala Purple’ germinates easily both in the garden and indoors.

Sow indoors for quick plants & early flowers: First sow the seeds on the surface of good quality seed raising mix in a punnet or small pots.
Now barely cover the seeds with sieved mix / fine vermiculate / fine grit.
Because these seeds need light to germinate.

Then thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing it in a shallow water-bath, and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place the sown, moist punnet in a warm, well-lit position (but not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of 18-21°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
So you can use a temperature controlled heat mat to maintain consistent warmth.
Or place the punnet in a warm position (no direct sun).

Continue to keep moist by misting from a spray water-bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear lid or plastic bag will also help to maintain consistent moisture.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 7-14 days.

Seed Count: 200 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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