Description
Balloonflower (Platycodon grandiflora) – Planting & Care Guide
- Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3–8; blooms mid–late summer.
- Light: Full sun (best flowering) to part shade in hot summers.
- Soil: Well‑drained, loamy soil; pH neutral–slightly acidic. Avoid soggy sites.
- Spacing: 12–18 in (30–45 cm) apart.
- Planting depth: Set crown at soil level. For transplants, keep root ball intact (deep taproot dislikes disturbance).
From seeds
- Timing: Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or surface‑sow outdoors after frost.
- How: Seeds need light to germinate—press onto moist mix, do not cover (or just a dusting). 65–70°F (18–21°C).
- Germination: 2–4 weeks. Keep evenly moist, not wet. Transplant carefully once 2–3 true leaves.
Water
- Keep evenly moist the first season; water deeply, then let top inch dry. Once established, moderately drought tolerant.
Feeding
- Light feeder. Mix in compost in spring; avoid high‑nitrogen fertilizers (can cause flopping).
Pruning & support
- Pinch tips once in late spring to encourage bushiness and reduce height.
- Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.
- Cut stems to basal foliage in late fall or early spring. Stake tall varieties if needed.
Containers
- Use a deep pot with drainage; quality potting mix with 10–20% perlite. Water when top inch is dry.
Propagation
- Best by seed or basal cuttings. Division is risky (brittle taproot). If dividing, do it early spring with minimal disturbance.
Pests/diseases
- Generally trouble‑free. Watch for slugs/snails on young growth and root rot in poorly drained soil.
Notes
- Slow to emerge in spring—mark the spot and be patient.
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture, but keep mulch off the crown.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.