What is the common name for Platycodon grandiflorus?
Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly called 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. Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are perennials, i.
Is Platycodon grandiflorus easy to grow?
An easy plant to grow from seed. Division and transplanting are difficult due to the fragile fleshy root system; however, if needed, division should be done in spring. Deadheading will prolong the bloom season. Regular deadheading (1-2 times a week) encourages the plants to put their energy into creating continuous growth and more blooms. Deadheading is a simple task, that only requires you to pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent bloom, and just above the newest set of healthy leaves.
Do Platycodon self seed?
Size and Method of Spreading: Balloon flower is between 1 to 2 ½ feet tall and 1 to 1 ½ feet wide at maturity. They spread by self-seeding. Balloon flowers are in seed. They are very easy to start from seed. You can do them indoors 2 months before last frost date or directly in the garden after Frost is not expected. They germinate easier when they have light.Therefore, the perennial should be provided with additional protection outdoors, especially in the first few years. A cover made of brushwood or leaves, for example, is suitable for this. To overwinter the balloon flower in a pot, place it in a frost-free but cool and light place.Bloom Months Balloon flowers are generally planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, growing quickly to bloom in the first year during the summer. In subsequent years, the plant will bloom beginning in late spring and last through the summer.