Charming pale yellow blooms in bud opening to apricot ruffles up to 10cm (4") across mark 'King size Apricot' as a standout China aster with a long vase life. Sunny borders and pots benefit from the late season colour that stands up to autumnal conditions when other plants have started to look a little tired. Start under glass for an early display and continue to sow throughout the spring to provide a succession of beautiful flowers through to October.
Growing instructions:
Sow undercover from February onwards in trays or pots of well-drained seed compost at 16-18°C. Germination takes 1-2 weeks. Transplant seedlings to pots and grow on in cooler conditions, planting outside when the threat of frost has passed. Sow directly outside from April, approximately 6mm deep (30cm apart) in finely raked soil. Thin as required and deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering.
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.35m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil