{"product_id":"aster-optimo-red","title":"Aster Optimo Red Seed","description":"\u003cp\u003eAster Optimo Red Seed produces extra-large, double, chrysanthemum-shaped blooms in a rich red shade for standout garden colour and cut-flower use. It is ideal for South African gardeners wanting upright seasonal flowers with strong vase appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eView Our Detailed Grow Guide: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/gardening.co.za\/blogs\/news\/aster-grow-guide\"\u003eAster Grow Guide for South African Conditions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant Type: Annual cut flower.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScientific Name: Callistephus chinensis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommon Name: China aster \/ annual aster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral Sowing Time: Regional timing varies; Western Cape Mar-May and Aug-Sep, Highveld Aug-Oct or Feb-Mar, KZN Coast Apr-Jul, and other regions adjusted around frost and extreme heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: Full sun; light afternoon shade in very hot areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow Depth: 0.5-1 cm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing: 25-30 cm between plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 7-14 days at around 18-22 C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: About 30-90 cm, depending on variety and conditions; support taller stems if needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable Pack Sizes: 1000 raw seed, 20 raw seed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Aster Optimo Red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich red blooms add warmth, contrast and strong picking-garden impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtra-large, double, chrysanthemum-shaped blooms have excellent cut-flower appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlossy green foliage helps the plants look attractive before and during flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful for adding upright colour to cottage-style beds, borders and dedicated cutting rows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs well with other seasonal cut flowers such as zinnias, cosmos and marigolds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrow Aster Optimo Red in cutting beds, flower borders and cottage-style plantings where its red blooms can be enjoyed outdoors and picked for arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart in seed trays for best results, then transplant carefully without disturbing the root ball.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fine, well-drained seedling mix and keep it evenly moist, not waterlogged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThin or space plants properly to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater at soil level in the morning where possible, especially in humid periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeadhead or pick stems regularly to prolong flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrought to you by Ubuntuberg Seeds, where our mission is to cultivate humanity \u0026amp; harvest unity. Ubuntuberg Seeds: the highest quality seed stock in all of Southern Africa, sourced from sustainable farms, guaranteeing you the best quality seed stock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ubuntuberg","offers":[{"title":"20 raw seed","offer_id":46149886181512,"sku":"558904-S020SR","price":44.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 raw seed","offer_id":46149886148744,"sku":"558904-S01MSR","price":870.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1107\/8152\/files\/AsterOptimoRedBouquet.png?v=1782892856","url":"https:\/\/gardening.co.za\/products\/aster-optimo-red","provider":"GARDENING.co.za","version":"1.0","type":"link"}