Guide to growing garden plants - Platycodon Balloon Flower
The Platycodon contains one species that is commonly grown in the garden, this is known as the Balloon Flower or Bellflower.
The plant is a hardy perennial that has stalks that reach 30 to 90cm in height.
Platycodon flowers in the summer with white, blue or purple bell shaped flowers.
How to grow Balloon Flower
The seeds of Balloon flowers (Platycodon) should be sown on the soil surface in either spring or summer. They have a preference for a rich and moist soil, and like to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden that have good drainage.
If starting off indoors, do so about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. It should take balloon flower seeds about two to four weeks to germinate at 20 degrees Celsius. The seedlings should be transplanted with great care into the garden at the end of spring, spaced about 25cm to 75 cm apart depending upon the size of the Platycodon variety.
Caring for Balloon flower - Platycodon
It is quite easy to care for Balloon Flowers; they like a moist soil so keep well watered, and dead head the flowers to extend the period in which they bloom. As Platycodon are very delicate plants it may be wise to carefully stake larger varieties. It is best to propagate platycodon plant by taking cuttings in the spring or growing from seeds; although the plants can be propagated by division this can often damage the plant.