Platycodon grandiflorus - Balloon Flower White

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a compact herbaceous perennial with a clumping habit. It is native to China and Japan. Emerging in Spring the plant will quickly get to around 1m in height. At the start of Summer the balloon shaped flower buds form. These buds will burst open revealing large star shaped flowers in either pink, blue or white. Balloon flowers require light fertile loamy, reliably moist but well-drained soil and either a full sun or part shade position. I grow my collection of these plants at the base of clematis plants in large pots on my front verandah. Like clematis plants you need to keep their roots cool. However, they can be grown in gardens but place to the front so you can enjoy them. These plants are prolific bloomers over a long period. As you would expect since these plants are native to China and Japan, they are frost hardy.

Balloon flowers are excellent cut flowers. Cut stems when 2-3 buds are opening, as they will continue to open in the vase. Sear the base of the stems (using a flame) immediately after cutting to prevent the milky sap from seeping out and to prevent wilting.

Seeds must have a cold spell to break dormancy. If you don't live in a cold enough area, place seeds in the fridge in a water tight container for 6 weeks before sowing. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil as they need light to germinate. . Water and keep damp but not wet. Seeds will germinate when temperatures are around 20C. Grow plant to around 10cm, harden off and transplant into the garden. Select your location carefully as these plants don't like being disturbed. Protect seedlings from snail and slugs. Plants will flower in their second year.

Also known as Chinese Bellflower or Japanese Bellflower.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 20 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

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