Balloonflower (Platycodon grandiflora) 50 seeds

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.