BALLOON FLOWER Platycodon

This balloon flower is loaded with vibrant, large deep-blue flowers in early summer! The plant forms a tidy clump that is very easy to care for. We have been growing it for many years, and it never needs watering or pampering, it just amazes us when it is in bloom! Plant in part sun, part or full .

Type: Perennial

Height: 18"

Location: Does well in both sun and and blooms prolifically in either.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Seeds per pack: 10

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature, and in a bright location for them to germinate (they require light to germinate). Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.

If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden. It is best to use this method only if you are able to keep the soil moist for the entire germination period. Be sure to label the planting area.