Growing Balloon Flowers (Chinese Bellflower)

Botanical Name:

Platycodon grandiflorus

Life Cycle:

perennial

Planting Time:

spring or fall

Height:

1' to 3'

Exposure:

full sun or light shade (afternoon shade in hot climates)

Soil:

average, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

zones 3 to 8

Bloom Time:

mid to late summer

Flower:

bell-shaped purple-blue, pink or white upward facing blossoms

Foliage:

green, fine-textured

Propagation:

seeds or cuttings, plants are difficult to divide

Suggested Use:

containers, edging, cut flowers and borders

Growing Hints:

In the spring, sow seeds directly into ground where you want them to grow. Keep sowing seeds up to 2 months before fall frost date. Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Seeds require light to germinate so don't cover them; just press them lightly into the soil. Expect flowers the second season. Mark planted areas. Balloon flowers are notoriously slow to wake up in the spring. Cuttings (2" to 4") can be taken in the late spring.

Interesting Facts:

Balloon flowers get their name from they way their flower buds swell before the petals unveil themselves.