This old-fashioned cottage garden favorite features balloon-shaped buds that burst open into blue, star-shaped flowers. Enjoy long season blooms with very little maintenance. Deer resistant.

Planting & Harvesting

Seed Depth: surface

Spacing: 6-12″ (15-30cm)

Sprouts In: 10-15 days

Thinning: 12-18″ (30-46cm)

Plant in spring after all chance of frost has passed in an area with full sun, or in partial afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. Balloon flower prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil that’s moderately moist. Once established, plants can handle some drought. Spring sown seeds might not bloom their first year. Sow outdoors in late fall or early winter for spring blossoms. For transplants, start indoors in early spring. Press seeds into soil surface. They require light to germinate.

Cold stratify spring planted seeds to improve germination. Place seeds in a plastic bag with moist (not wet) seed starting medium and place in the refrigerator for four weeks prior to planting. Remove spent blossoms for continuous bloom. Top dress plants with deep compost in fall.

Additional Information

Botanical Name: Platycodon grandiflorus

Height: 2-3′ (.5-1m)

Bloom Period: summer

Type: hardy perennial