Complete guide on how to grow balloon flower plant

A study has shown that Balloon flowers are often grown for their whimsical flower buds, although balloon flower plant is one tough cookie. This plant is actually part of the easy growing Bellflower/Campanula family, and the resemblance is notice right away. 

What really intrigues gardeners and entices them to grow the plant is the puffy bud which gives it a common name "balloon flower.” These plants are long-lived perennials that rarely need dividing and they are also deer-resistant. Below is the basic information about the plant;

The botanical name: The botanical name is Platycodon grandiflorus.

The common name: The common names are Chinese bellflower, Balloon flower, Japanese bellflower.

The plant type:   Is a perennial flower.

The mature size: The mature size varies, some grow to about one to two feet tall and one foot wide.

The sun exposure: Balloon flower does well in full sun, also in partial shade.

The soil type: This plant does well in loamy, well-drained soil.

The Soil pH: Between 5.8 to 6.8

The blooming time: The blooming time is summer.

The flower color: The flower colors are white, blue, pink.

The native area: Balloon flower plants are native to Korea, China, Japan, Russia.

Steps on how to grow balloon flower plants

To grow balloon flowers you can either start with plants or seed. Actually the seed grown plants will not bloom their first year. The balloon flower plant seeds will really require stratification and they are a good choice for winter sowing. A study has actually shown that balloon flower plants are pest- and disease-resistant, but root rot may occur in a soil that is too wet. Make sure you keep an eye out for slugs and snails.

The Light requirement: If the balloon flowers are planted in full sun you will get the most flowers. Although they will also be fine in partial shade, most especially if the shade really comes in the afternoon.

The soil requirement: This plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between the ranges of 5.8 to 6.8. The soil must be well-drained and slightly loamy.

The water requirement: Immediately the plant is established, the plant will not need a lot of supplemental watering. The balloon flower plants can handle short periods of drought.

The fertilizer requirement: These plants are not heavy feeders, although a top dressing with compost in the fall will really help the plant replenish the energy they expended blooming. You can also add some amount of granular organic fertilizer to the whole bed, most especially in the spring.

The pruning of plant: For stockier balloon flower plants, make sure you pinch them back when they are about six inches tall. Without been told deadheading will really keep the plants looking good and repeatedly blooming. Make sure you don’t remove the whole stem, only the faded flowers.