Easy-to-grow from flower seed, Balloon Flowers are an old-fashioned favorite, and they are as lovely in the garden as they are in the vase. This flower has unique star-shaped blue blossoms, and it blooms late summer and into the autumn. Platycodon Grandiflorus has been around forever, and some of their biggest fans are children. They love to watch the balloons form (the buds) and then grow until the right time to pop open and form the lovely star-shaped flower. Balloon Flower plants are very hardy perennials that can withstand periods of drought, and they are rarely bothered by disease or insect problems making them virtually a maintenance-free perennial.  

SOWING:
Season: Perennial
Sowing: April - May
Height: 45 cm (18 inch)
Bloom Color: Blue
Water: Dry to Medium
Blooms Time: July - September
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Germ temperature: 18-21C (65 - 70F)
Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Do not cover
Moisture: Keep moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 25cm (10 inches) 

Sow Balloon Flower seeds in peat pots or cell packs, and press the flower seed into soil but do not cover. The flower seeds need light to germinate. Seedlings are fragile and must be handled with care. Transplant into the garden 25cm (10 inches) apart. You may also sow Platycodon Grandiflorus seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to a workable temperature in spring.