Platycodon Flower Garden Seeds

Platycodon Seed ( Perennial )

Balloon flowers are some of the most fun plants to grow in the garden with kids. Balloon flowers get their name from the unopened buds, which swell up prior to opening and resemble little hot-air balloons. Kids are fascinated by these plants and will typically pop them for sport by squeezing the sides, making them burst open with a soft, popping sound. Growing balloon flowers with children can be quite fun.
The balloon flower is a hardy plant that is able to grow in both dry climates as well as cold climates. Typically, they can be found in growing zones three through nine, which covers the majority of the United States. When properly cared for, most varieties of balloon flowers will grow to be about two feet tall and about one foot wide, though dwarf varieties tend to be about half that size. The plant will begin blooming during late July or early August.
These plants are non-aggressive, which means that you can plant them in your garden without worrying that they are going to take over the other plants. In addition to making your garden beautiful and vibrant, the leaves can be crushed and used as a supplement that can have several health benefits. However, the leaves at the base of the plant are said to be slightly toxic, so only the top leaves should be used in culinary dishes.

Watch for the balloon flowers to sprout in the spring. This plant does best in partial sun or full sun and in well-drained soil.
Apply a complete plant food after new growth appears. If granular plant food is used, water the balloon flower after application.
Water the plant regularly but be careful not to overwater it. Root rot can occur if the soil is too moist.
Use plant stakes or circles to support taller varieties of balloon flowers. Leave the stakes in place at the end of the season to mark the location of the plant. They die down completely at the end of the growing season and their foliage can be mistaken for a weed.
Deadhead the individual balloon flowers after the blossoms fade to encourage new growth. Cut off the whole top of the stem after several blossoms have faded, to encourage repeat blooming.

FA08 Double Blue Balloon Flower ( Platycodon grandiflorus )

Interesting profuse blue flowers resemble balloons just before opening. Important herb of the Orient, cough remedy is prepared from the roots, the wholesome young foliage added to salads.
Double violet blue flowers, upright stems, summer, sun, great for cutting material, grows about 36" tall, perennial hardy to zone 3.

JB204 Rose Balloon Flower ( Platycodon grandiflorus )

Has mid to dark green foliage which emerges in late spring. Balloon-like buds swell and burst into large, star-shaped, rose-colored flowers. They are great for borders of your garden or even in containers.
A very useful perennial in beds and borders and a favorite of young and old alike. Balloon Flowers establish readily from flower seed, and once they are established in the garden, they are a very hardy perennial that can withstand periods of drought.
Grows about 18 inches, a perennial for zones 3-9, deer resistant.

TWT191 White Balloon Flower ( Platycodon Grandiflorus White )

Balloon Flower is a clump-forming perennial that is so named because its flower buds puff up like balloons before bursting open into outward-to-upward-facing, bell-shaped flowers with five pointed lobes.
It was an important medicinal and culinary herb in Asia where it is native. Gardeners around the world value the plant for its long-lasting flowers that form from balloon-shaped flower buds. Although it takes some care to establish from flower seed, it is quite easy to maintain once planted successfully. It is a low-maintenance, sun-loving plant that has large, star-shaped white flowers. Balloon Flowers look great in the garden and in a vase as well!
Sow seeds in peat pots or cell packs, and press the flower seed into soil but do not cover. The flower seeds need light to germinate. Seedlings are fragile and must be handled with care. Transplant into the garden 10 inches apart. You may also sow Platycodon Grandiflorus seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to a workable temperature in spring. Full sun and average soil are best for Balloon Flower plants, although they will tolerate partial shade in warmer areas., grows about 36" tall, perennial hardy to zones 4-8.