China Aster
Botanical Name: Callistephus chinensis
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
China aster is one of the most important annual ornamental flower crops cultivated throughout the world. It is native to China and belongs to the family Asteraceae. In India, it is mainly grown as a traditional flower crop for loose flowers, while internationally it is also popular as a cut flower crop.
In Northeast India and Assam, China aster has good commercial potential because of:
Favourable climatic conditions
Availability of fertile soils
Increasing demand for flowers in local markets
Scope for protected cultivation and floriculture entrepreneurship
It is commonly used for:
Garlands
Religious and social functions
Floral decoration
Bedding and border planting
Bouquet preparation
Scope of China Aster Cultivation in Northeast India and Assam
The agro-climatic conditions of Assam and Northeast India are highly suitable for flower cultivation due to:
Moderate temperature
High humidity
Adequate rainfall
Fertile alluvial soils
Districts around:
Dibrugarh
Tinsukia
Jorhat
Sivasagar
Kamrup
Cachar
have good potential for commercial cultivation of China aster.
The crop is especially suitable for:
Small and marginal farmers
Kitchen gardens
Nursery business
Commercial floriculture units
Flowers are sold in:
Local markets
Temple markets
Marriage ceremonies
Festival decorations
Demand increases during:
Durga Puja
Bihu
Weddings
Religious functions
Important Varieties
Important varieties suitable for Indian conditions include:
Kamini
Poornima
Phule Ganesh Pink
Phule Ganesh Purple
Phule Ganesh Violet
Phule Ganesh White
Shashank
Violet Cushion
These varieties perform well under Assam conditions with proper drainage management.
Climate Requirement
China aster prefers cool and mild climate.
Optimum Conditions
Day temperature: 20–30°C
Night temperature: 10–18°C
Relative humidity: 50–60%
Bright sunlight is essential
In Assam and Northeast India
Winter season is ideal for cultivation.
Excessive monsoon rainfall may cause fungal diseases and root rot.
Therefore, proper drainage is essential.
Soil Requirement
Best suited soils are:
Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils
Rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.8–7.5
In Assam
Alluvial soils of Brahmaputra valley are suitable for cultivation if:
Drainage is maintained
Organic manure is adequately applied
Waterlogging should be strictly avoided due to heavy rainfall conditions.
Propagation
China aster is propagated through seeds.
Seed Requirement
2.5–3.0 kg seed per hectare
Nursery Raising
Seeds are sown in raised nursery beds during September–October.
Seedlings become ready in about one month.
Seedlings of about 10 cm height are transplanted to the main field.
In Northeast India
Raised nursery beds are very important to avoid:
Water stagnation
Damping-off disease
Land Preparation
Land should be ploughed 3–4 times for fine tilth.
Proper drainage channels should be prepared.
Farmyard manure (FYM) @ 10–15 tonnes/ha should be mixed during land preparation.
Vermicompost can also be used.
Special Recommendation for Assam
Because of heavy rainfall:
Raised beds are highly recommended.
Drainage channels should be maintained throughout the field.
Planting Time
Assam and Northeast India
Nursery sowing: September–October
Transplanting: October–November
Flowering generally occurs during winter when climatic conditions remain favourable.
Spacing
Recommended spacing:
30 × 30 cm
45 × 45 cm
According to soil type:
Light soils: 45 × 20 cm
Medium soils: 60 × 20 cm
Manures and Fertilisers
Organic Manure
FYM @ 10–15 tonnes/ha
Fertiliser Dose
NPK @ 120:80:120 kg/ha
Application
Full phosphorus and potassium as basal dose
Nitrogen in 2–3 split doses
In Assam
Use of organic manures and vermicompost improves:
Soil structure
Water-holding capacity
Flower quality
Irrigation
China aster requires moderate irrigation.
General Recommendation
Irrigation at 10–12 day intervals during winter
In Northeast India
Irrigation requirement is less during winter due to residual soil moisture.
Excess irrigation should be avoided.
Pinching
Pinching is done one month after transplanting.
Advantages
Promotes branching
Increases flower production
Improves flower yield
Disadvantage
Slight delay in flowering
Harvesting
Loose Flowers
Harvested when flowers are fully open.
Cut Flowers
Harvested when flower colour fully develops.
Post-Harvest Handling
Stems should be immediately placed in clean water.
Flowers should be graded and packed carefully.
Yield
Average loose flower yield:
15–20 tonnes/ha
Yield depends on:
Variety
Soil fertility
Drainage
Weather
Crop management
Important Insect-Pests
Major Pests
Black blister beetle (Epicauta pennsylvanica)
Asiatic beetle (Autoserica castanea)
Tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris)
Leafhopper (Macrosteles fascifrons)
Leaf miners
Semilooper caterpillars
Control Measures
Field sanitation
Light traps
Need-based insecticide application
Removal of infected plant parts
Nematode Problems
Root-knot Nematode
(Meloidogyne incognita)
Foliage Nematode
(Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi)
Control
Application of Furadan @ 1 g/m²
Proper field sanitation
Crop rotation
Diseases
Major Diseases
Wilt
Collar rot
Stem rot
Gray mould
Leaf spot
Rust
Canker
Common Disease Problems in Assam
High humidity and rainfall favour:
Fungal diseases
Root rot
Leaf spot diseases
Control Measures
Spraying with:
Mancozeb
Carbendazim
Captan
Zineb
Wettable sulphur
Proper drainage and wider spacing reduce disease incidence.
Viral Diseases
Important Viruses
Chrysanthemum mosaic virus
Aster yellows
Spotted wilt
Curly top virus
Control
Removal and destruction of infected plants
Control of insect vectors such as leafhoppers
Conclusion
China aster is a profitable ornamental flower crop with excellent scope in Assam and Northeast India. The favourable climate, fertile soils, and increasing market demand make it suitable for commercial cultivation.
For successful production in Northeast India:
Raised beds and drainage are essential
Proper nutrient management should be followed
Fungal diseases must be carefully managed during humid conditions
With scientific cultivation practices, China aster cultivation can become an important source of income for farmers and floriculture entrepreneurs in Assam and the Northeast region.
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