Kalimeris indica Seeds | Indian Aster
LATIN NAME: Kalimeris indica
COMMON NAME: Indian Aster
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Indian Aster, Kalimeris indica is a perennial in the daisy family, native to grasslands, field margins and open woodlands of east Asia. The Indian aster is long-blooming daisy of late garden, and violet-blue rays crowd small, golden centres through the autumn. Plant is a fine, generous presence of late border and wild patch. It is a plant of open, sunny, well-drained ground. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Kalimeris indica, a representative of the daisy family with clear practical value. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Indian Aster works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Indian aster is a fine, generous plant of late border and wild patch. It has been written up in horticultural papers for violet-blue rays and long autumn bloom, and it is a fine, long-lived plant of open, sunny, well-drained garden. The Indian aster is one of steady daisies of cool border, and clumps spread into generous drifts. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Kalimeris, Ma Lan, is a wild spring vegetable of China, its tender shoots a traditional vitamin-rich green; the daisy flowers feed pollinators.
Growing from Seed
Starting Indian Aster from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Indian Aster is a long-term garden companion. The seed responds well to a spell of cold stratification, a small step that pays off.
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