🌸 Callistephus chinensis Pompon Aster ‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ – Compact Plants with Perfect Pompon Blooms

‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ is a striking pompon aster variety producing perfectly rounded, fully double flowers inspired by the Japanese “rising sun” colour style. The mix consists of red-and-white, blue-and-white, and pink-and-white blooms, each with a clear contrasting centre. The flowers are held on strong stems above neat, compact plants. Flowering in late summer, this variety is ideal for bedding displays, borders, containers and cut flowers. Uniform growth and excellent flower form make it a favourite for both gardens and floral arrangements.

Key Features

● Fully double, perfectly rounded pompon flowers

● Attractive colour mix inspired by “Hi-no-maru” style

● Compact, upright plants with strong stems

● Excellent for bedding, pots and cut flowers

● Late-summer colour when many annuals fade

How to Sow & Grow Pompon Aster ‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ (UK)

Sow indoors: III–IV (March–April) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once seedlings are sturdy and frost risk has passed

Direct outdoors: IV–V (April–May)

Flowering: VII–IX (July–September)

Germination temperature: 18–22 °C (64–72 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil

Plant spacing: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Avoid growing asters in the same spot every year to reduce disease risk.

● Water at soil level to keep foliage dry.

● Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth.

● Cut flowers regularly to extend blooming.

● Ideal for late-summer borders and floral displays.

Special Features

● Classic pompon flower shape with excellent uniformity

● Strong stems ideal for cutting

● Decorative Japanese-inspired colour mix