Balloon Flower

(Platycodon grandiflora) This striking blue perennial flower has a rich history that offers much more than meets the eye. Named for their unique blooming pattern, the buds expand like an inflated balloon until they burst open into a gorgeous blue star. Two-foot-tall plants will set off tons of explosive little blooms late into the season, when many other flowers are spent. An ancient medicinal plant native to Asia, it was introduced to the west by Robert Fortune, who is famously remembered as a tea thief from England. Fortune donned a disguise to enter China in the 1800s in order to steal tea plants for the British government. Balloon flower roots are appreciated for having antimicrobial, antibacterial, and other medicinal qualities. The roots are used in Asian food, and are especially popular in Korea and China. (Note: The roots are edible, but please do not eat the leaves or flowers!)

• 6-8 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-30 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
  
• Plant Spacing: 12-18"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
  
• Platycodon grandiflorus
  

Growing Tips: Perennial zones 3-9. Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after. Surface sow, lightly pressing into soil; do not cover. Transplant or divide only when absolutely necessary--resents root disturbance.

Perennial in zones 3-9. Here is something super special and new in balloon flowers! These dwarf plants bear ivory blooms with subtle lavender striping. The plants grow less than 10 inches tall, while their blooms expand like an inflated balloon until they burst open into a gorgeous, shimmering star. The roots of balloon flowers are edible and are typically used in Asian cuisine.

• 6-8 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-30 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
• Plant Spacing: 12-18"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
• Platycodon grandiflorus apoyama
  
  

Growing Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after. Surface sow, lightly pressing into soil; do not cover. Transplant or divide only when necessary-resents root disturbance.

(Platycodon grandiflorus) Perennial in zones 3-9. These large blue blooms will expand like an inflated balloon until they burst open into a gorgeous blue star. Two-foot-tall plants will set off tons of explosive little blooms late into the season, when many other flowers are spent. Plants average 20 inches tall, each its own small galaxy of blue stars, larger than traditional balloon flower. The roots of balloon flowers are edible and are typically used in Asian cuisine.

• 6-8 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-30 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
  Plant Spacing: 12-18"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
• Platycodon grandiflorus
  
  

Growing Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after. Surface sow, lightly pressing into soil; do not cover. Transplant or divide only when necessary-resents root disturbance.

Perennial in zones 3-9. Behold the beloved balloon flower in a silky soft pink color. Platycodon is a favorite perennial flower; its balloon-shaped blossoms open to a unique star shape, a transformation fascinating to watch on a summer day. Plants average 20 inches tall, each its own small galaxy of pink stars, larger than traditional balloon flower. The roots of balloon flowers are edible, and are typically used in Asian cuisine.

• 6-8 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-30 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
• Plant Spacing: 12-18"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
• Platycodon grandiflorus
  
  

Growing Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after. Surface sow, lightly pressing into soil; do not cover. Transplant or divide only when necessary-resents root disturbance.

Perennial in zones 3-9. The beloved balloon flower in an ivory color. Platycodon is a favorite perennial flower. Its balloon-shaped blossoms open to a unique star shape in a transformation fascinating to watch on a summer day. Plants average 20 inches tall, each its own small galaxy of white stars, larger than traditional balloon flower.

• 6-8 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-30 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
• Plant Spacing: 12-18"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
• Platycodon grandiflorus
  
  

Growing Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after. Surface sow, lightly pressing into soil; do not cover. Transplant or divide only when necessary-resents root disturbance.