Real Flower Specimen

Real Strawberry Aster (China Aster - Callistephus chinensis) Flower specimen encased in clear lucite material. The specimen is crystal clear, transparent and indestructible. Safe, authentic and completely unbreakable product put the Flower right at your fingertips!

Anyone can safely explore the Flower from every angle.

It is clear enough for microscope observation.

Size of the flower is 2.5 cm (1.0 inch).

Size of the lucite block is 6.0x3.5x2.1 cm (2.4x1.4x0.8 inch).

Weight of the block is 50 g and 70 g with packing box.

This is a handmade real specimen craft. Each one will be a bit different (specimen size, color and posture) even in the same production batch.

The pictures in the listing are just for reference as we are selling multiple pieces with same pictures.

It is an ideal learning aid for students and kids and also a very good collectible item for every body.

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Strawberry Aster (China Aster - Callistephus chinensis)

Place of Origin China (Mainland)

Plant Type: Annual
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: China
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: July - September  
Bloom Color: Cultivar shades of white to pink, red, blue,violet, purple and yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium

The family Asteraceae have an estimated 1,150 genera and a huge number of species seen almost all over the world originating from North America, Europe, China etc. The large China Asters are the most common form grown by florists and gardeners. Native to Asia, this lovely flowering annual is worth the little extra effort it takes for growing. It has a wide array of varieties and the height ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet. Most species of Aster are perennial and generally bloom in August. They have daisy-like or star-like flower heads (4-6" in diameter) with a yellow center on leafy, often tall, stems. Their colors vary from white to creamy yellow, pink, blue, red and purple. They do well in beds, borders or pots and are a favorite as cut flowers because of their longevity.

Propagation
Asters need fertile, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. The propagation is through seeds. Before sowing, sterilize the seeds with organic mercuric compounds to prevent stem rot and damping-off. For sowing of seeds, it is best to use a shallow flat. Add one-forth well rotted manure and enough sand to the soil to prevent the soil from becoming hard. Fill the flat half or two-thirds full, water thoroughly, and finish filling with soil just moist enough to handle nicely. Sow the seed in rows 2 inches apart, cover with fine sand and press firmly. The wet soil in the bottom will furnish enough moisture so that the boxes will not have to be sprinkled until after the seedlings are up.

The seeds will germinate in a little over a week. As soon as several true leaves have grown, the seedlings should-be transplanted. Use rich soil in the bottom of the flats and ordinary soil above as further protection against disease. Set the seedlings 3 to 9 inches apart depending on the variety. The plants will grow to a height of 6-10 inches to 3 feet and a width of 6-18 inches.

Care
Since they are prone to wilt disease, virus diseases, foot rot, root rot, and aphids, avoid planting in the same location year after year. Pinch off faded flowers and yellowing foliage regularly to encourage new blooms. Shading plants prevents injury from the tarnished plant bug and yellows. If plants are badly diseased, burn them and stop growing China-asters for a few years. Water well in dry weather.