Propagating Balloon Flowers
- Use sterile, sharp pruners to trim a 4-inch length of stem, and remove the lower foliage to expose the bare stem.
- Use a rooting hormone on the bare stem if you wish, and then pot it in moist soil.
- Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) as you wait for roots to take hold.
- Once you see leaf growth and feel resistance when you give the cutting a...
When to plant balloon flowers?
Propagating Balloon Flowers
- Use sterile, sharp pruners to trim a 4-inch length of stem, and remove the lower foliage to expose the bare stem.
- Use a rooting hormone on the bare stem if you wish, and then pot it in moist soil.
- Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) as you wait for roots to take hold.
How do you plant a balloon flower?
How do you prune balloon flowers?
- Inspect the plants once a week during the flowering season.
- Grasp the stem under a spent or wilting blossom between your forefinger and thumb.
- Trim off any dead or damaged leaves from the balloon flowers with a small pair of shears.
How do you grow balloon flowers?
Planting Balloon Flowers
- You can start with plants or seed, but know that seed-grown plants won't bloom until their second year of existence.
- If you grow from seed, start the plants indoors in early spring. ...
- Whether you transplant your seedlings or go with starter plants from a nursery, place them in a sunny spot in the garden. ...
How to plant and grow balloon flower?
- Dig a hole that is the same depth and a little wider than the rootball, and place the plant in it.
- Backfill with soil and firm around the area gently, to avoid damaging the roots.
- Water in well.
How do you grow balloon flowers?
It will thrive in sun or partial shade. It likes well-drained, slightly acidic soil; and although the balloon flower plant will tolerate dry conditions, it prefers (and needs) plenty of moisture. This cold hardy plant also prefers cooler conditions in summer, so afternoon shade is a good idea for warmer regions.
How long do balloon flowers take to grow?
Planted in the early spring after the threat of frost has passed, balloon flowers should bloom during their first season. However, you also can plant them later in the growing season (spring to fall), though you might not get blooms until their second year.
Do balloon flowers grow back every year?
Balloon Flowers are easy to grow, long-lived perennials. Long-lasting star-shaped flowers emerge from balloon-like buds in summer. Balloon flower plants will occasionally repeat bloom in the fall when old flowers are removed.
How do you plant bare root balloon flowers?
Take care to cut at least 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of the root, so that the new plant can start growing. Pot the plant right away and water it well. If you decide to plant the seedlings directly into the garden, you should dig a hole as deep as the root ball.
Will balloon flowers self seed?
Part of problem is that balloon flowers self-seed very fast. The plants could be deadheaded to prevent self-seeding but this is a nerve racking, time consuming task. Each single seed pod has to be clipped off in order to leave the remaining buds or open blossoms.
Will balloon flowers survive winter?
Balloon Flower plants prefer slightly warm temperatures between 60 and 80 °F (15-26 °C). They are hardy plants that can tolerate even higher temperatures if they are provided with some shade in the afternoon. Keep in mind that these plants can be killed by frost, so you should bring them indoors in the winter.
Should I deadhead my balloon flowers?
New branches grow and sprout more flowers. Deadheading a balloon flower is a worthwhile chore. In summer, you can prune further down and remove up to one-third of the branches for a total rebloom. Deadheading a balloon flower doesn't take long, but your efforts will be rewarded largely with a bounty of blooms.
Can you divide balloon flowers?
The seeds should be planted in the spring. Dividing a plant can prove to be the more difficult option because balloon plants have a long, complex root system that does not like to be disturbed. So, the best way to divide the plant is to cut a piece of the plant off without uprooting it entirely.
Should I cut back balloon flowers?
Pruning Balloon Flower Kansas State University Research and Extension describes balloon flower as a floppy perennial and recommends cutting them back after new growth emerges in spring, which will help keep the stems from bending over by reducing their weight.
How deep do you plant balloon flowers?
Quick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Herbaceous perennialBlue shades, pink, and white/ green to blue-greenBloom Time / Season:Summer5.5-7.5Exposure:Full sun to part shadeWell-drainingSpacing:4-18 inchesBees, birds, butterfliesPlanting Depth:Surface sowBee balm, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, daylily, lily turf8 more rows•Jul 8, 2020
Should you soak bare root plants before planting?
Before planting, you'll need to soak the roots for at least 2 hours and up to 8 to 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours maximum. This is an important step because it will allow the roots to re-hydrate and absorb water. If roots are soaked longer than 24 hours they can become oxygen-starved and be permanently damaged.
Do balloon flower seeds need stratification?
To achieve success with platycodon, be sure to winter-sow the seeds. I did just that back in January, 2009. Seeds require cold-stratification in order to germinate, and they receive this when you sow them in milk or water jugs, as above, and expose them to snow, sleet, and rain.
What temperature do balloon flowers need to grow?
Balloon flowers are hardy and do well in USDA growing zones 3 to 8. Their ideal temperature range is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit , but they can withstand higher temperatures if they have some shade in the afternoon. Frost can kill young plants and will cause established plants to die back into the ground in the fall. Balloon flowers tolerate both humid and dry air conditions, provided they have the right amount of soil moisture.
What type of soil do balloon flowers like?
Balloon flowers prefer organically rich, loamy soil that has good drainage. They don’t grow well in dense soil, such as clay. They like a soil pH in the 5.5 to 7.5 range.
How much sun do balloon flowers need?
You will get the most flowers if you plant balloon flowers in full sun (at least six hours of sunlight on most days). However, they will be fine in part shade and might actually prefer some shade from where the afternoon sun is especially hot.
Why are balloon flowers so popular?
They are so named because puffy, balloon-like buds swell up to produce the 2- to 3-inch star-shaped flowers. Balloon flower is a very easy to grow perennial, but tall plants may need staking to keep them from flopping. Blooming all summer long, it is an excellent plant for border gardens or rock gardens, and it freely self-seeds in the garden.
How to root a sage plant?
Use a rooting hormone on the bare stem if you wish, and then pot it in moist soil.
Can balloon flowers be slugged?
Balloon flowers generally attract slugs and snails, as do many other outdoor bloomers, which can be coaxed off the plants with bait. However, the plant may become afflicted with crown rot, root rot, botrytis gray mold, powdery mildew, or fungal leaf spot. Crown and root rot may cause plants to die over the winter. Leaves presenting powdery spots, mottling, or blotching can usually be treated with a fungicide. Quickly discard plants with gray mold so it doesn't spread, then use a preventative fungicide on remaining plants. 2
Can balloon flowers be used indoors?
Many people grow balloon flowers as houseplants and use them in indoor container gardens. Put balloon flowers in a cool and bright spot to watch them bloom.
How to divide balloon plants?
So, the best way to divide the plant is to cut a piece of the plant off without uprooting it entirely. You will need at least half of an inch of root for the plant to take root.
How tall do balloon flowers grow?
Typically, they can be found in growing zones three through nine, which covers the majority of the United States. When properly cared for, most varieties of balloon flowers will grow to be about two feet tall ...
How to protect a sage plant from the cold?
Typically, you can simply cover the plant in an inch or two of mulch to protect it, but you can also use compost or leaves that fall from the trees to cover the plants and keep them moist and warm all winter. When spring arrives, uncover the plant so that it can start to grow.
What is the name of the flower that leaves a fluffy balloon?
Komachi – These are a variety that are only purple or blue, and the blooms never leave the fluffy balloon shape that the plant is named after. Sentimental Blue – This is a smaller variation of the plant that is typically only about six inches tall. The blooms on the plant are blue or deep purple in color.
How to propagate a brown pod?
Propagation can be performed using the seeds that can be found in the dried out blooms. Each brown pod has hundreds of seeds inside, which you can either allow to fall to the ground and hope new plants grow or snap off the pod and place it in a brown paper bag until it is fully dried. The seeds should be planted in the spring.
How to get rid of pale spots on my plant?
If pale spots become visible on leaves, they should be removed from the plant.
When do balloon flowers bloom?
The plant will begin blooming during late July or early August. These plants are non-aggressive, which means that you can plant them in your garden without worrying ...
How do balloon flowers get their name?
Balloon flowers get their name from their buds, which look like little hot air balloons before they open into star-shaped flowers of blue, pink or white. Don't let the delicate-sounding name fool you, though. Balloon flowers are tough plants that need little help from you to thrive. Photo by: Shutterstock/Deep Green.
What are the different types of balloon flowers?
Recommended Varieties of Balloon Flowers. Astra series have double flowers in blue, pink or white. Fuji series are the most common varieties sold in nurseries. They're the tallest, too, reaching heights of 30 inches with flowers in blue, pink or white. 'Komachi' has purple-blue flowers that look like little pillows.
What flowers go well with blue balloons?
Blue balloon flowers look lovely with the pale yellows of lilies and yarrow.
What is the name of the perennial flower that attracts butterflies, bees, and birds?
Common Coreopsis: How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis. This deer-resistant, long-blooming perennial flower — also known as tickseed — attracts butterflies, bees and birds. Learn How to Plant and Grow Spider Lily.
Why do you stake tall plants?
You may need to stake tall plants to keep them from flopping over under the weight of their blooms.
When do plants bloom?
You can start with plants or seed, but know that seed-grown plants won't bloom until their second year of existence.
Can balloon flowers stand up to humidity?
Balloon flowers can stand up to humidity without succumbing to mildew or fungus.
What Are Balloon Flowers?
Although P. grandiflorus is not a native blue flower, its hardy, disease-resistant nature and vibrant perennial blossoms have made it a jewel of American gardens.
What is the name of the flower that bursts into a starry bell?
A member of the Campanulaceae family that includes bellflower and lobelia, its common name derives from the puffy balloon-like buds that burst open into starry bell-like blossoms. In this article, you will learn how to grow and care for balloon flower in your landscape. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
How to keep weeds from growing in my garden?
You may apply an all-purpose slow-release granular fertilizer at the time of planting if desired. A layer of mulch may help to retain moisture, with the bonus of inhibiting weeds that may compete for water and nutrients.
What color are the flowers on the sage?
The two- to three-inch flowers bloom in various shades of blue, as well as pink and white. Some have prominent veining of the petals.
When do you acclimate seedlings to the outdoors?
When the seedlings have two sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, you may gradually acclimate them to the outdoors.
When to propagate P. grandiflorus?
P. grandiflorus may be propagated from seed, by stem cuttings, or from nursery starts in the spring.
When to start nursery plants?
You may plant nursery starts at any time during the growing season to ensure flowers in the second year . When you transplant, dig a hole the same depth and width of the root ball, and be sure to keep the pot soil level even with the ground soil level.
What is a balloon flower?
Image by nickkurzenko. Balloon flower ( Platycodon grandiflorus) is one of those fun plants to grow in the garden with kids. Balloon flowers get their name from the unopened buds, which swell up prior to opening and resemble little hot-air balloons.
Can balloon flowers be fertilized?
Not only are they easy to grow, but these plants are easy to care for as well. If desired, they can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer in spring. From there, you simply water as needed. With exception to occasional bouts of slugs or snails, balloon flower pests are few.
Is a balloon flower hardy?
The balloon plant is easy to grow and hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8. It will thrive in sun or partial shade. It likes well-drained, slightly acidic soil; and although the balloon flower plant will tolerate dry conditions, it prefers (and needs) plenty of moisture. This cold hardy plant also prefers cooler conditions in summer, so afternoon shade is a good idea for warmer regions.
Can balloon flowers be taken in spring?
Balloon flower plants don’t really like being disturbed and although division can be done, it’s often difficult. Therefore, propagation by seed is better or cuttings can be taken in spring, if desired. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 07/24/21.
Can you put succulents in cut flowers?
Of course, they may require staking if falling over. You can also add them to cut flower arrangements. Since the succulent stems have milky sap, you’ll need to lightly singe the cut ends with a candle (or match) immediately after cutting to make them last longer.
How do balloon flower plants get their name?
Balloon flower plants are unusual but beautiful plants that take their name from the balloon-like bubble formed by the petals of their flowers before unfolding. You will know the time is right because they produce flat, round seedpods where blooms were previously. Snip the seedpods from the plant.
How to label balloon plants?
Make labels according to the variety of balloon plant they were taken from and the date. Pieces of white tape, masking tape, or postal labels all work fine for this . Stick the labels on plastic baggies and place the seeds in the bags. Use zip-type bags or tape the loose tops shut. Snip the seedpods from the plant.
How to store seed pods from a plant?
Use zip-type bags or tape the loose tops shut. Snip the seedpods from the plant . Use garden shears or sharp scissors to do this so you don’t tear or damage the plant unnecessarily. Store the seeds in a cool, dark and dry place such as a root cellar or basement.
What is a balloon flower?
Balloon flower plants are unusual but beautiful plants that take their name from the balloon-like bubble formed by the petals of their flowers before unfolding. Also called by their scientific name, platycodon grandiflorus, they can be easily reseeded from collected seeds.
Do balloon plants need to be deadheaded?
Do not deadhead your balloon plants throughout the summer or fall if you want to collect seeds. The withered blooms are what will become the seedpods.
Can you leave balloon seed pods to overwinter?
Remove the seeds from the seedpods, if desired. You can leave the seedpods to overwinter without opening them, if you want to, or break them open and remove the seeds inside. You should remove the seeds before planting, however. Label and bag the seeds. Make labels according to the variety of balloon plant they were taken from and the date.
What does a balloon flower look like?
It is a member of the Campanula family, and its flowers look similar to those of campanulas, or bell flowers. Its distinctive buds look like balloons that are about to burst – or mini hot air balloons – hence its common name, balloon flower.
What to do with clay soil in a pot?
If your garden has clay soil, add some organic matter, such as garden compost, to the planting hole. If growing in a pot, plant into peat-free, multipurpose compost.
When to cut back a faded flower?
Deadhead the faded flowers to keep the plant blooming well, then cut back the faded flower stems to the ground in autumn. The foliage is late to appear the following spring, so it’s a good idea to mark where the plant is when it has died back, to prevent disturbing it while it is dormant – it has fleshy tap roots that are easily damaged.
Growing Zone and Facts
How to Plant and Care
- When you plant balloon flowers from a seed, chances are that you will not see any blooms during their first year of growth, but with patience and proper care, the second summer, you will see some stunning blooms. The seed should be planted in the spring of the year, and it should be started indoors until the seed germinates. Simply press the seed o...
Growing in Containers
- Since these flowers have a complex root system, it can be difficult to transplant them from one container to another after they grow to a certain height, but during the first and even the second year of growth, these plants can thrive in a medium-sized pot. They will need a lot of sun, especially in the north, and to be watered on a regular basis. If you live in the southern part of th…
Pruning
- To start, you are going to want to soak your pruning shearsin a bleach solution to make sure they are not carrying diseases from your other plants to your balloon flowers. Pruning should be done in the early spring when the new growth can be seen. Stems that are old and dying need to be removed at the base, but be cautious that you do not cut the crown of the plant. As far as height…
Winterizing
- Once the plant has finished blooming for the year, it has been pruned, and there is only a few inches of growth sticking out of the soil, you will need to finish preparing the plant for the cold winter months. Typically, you can simply cover the plant in an inch or two of mulch to protect it, but you can also use compost or leaves that fall from the trees to cover the plants and keep the…
Propagation
- Propagation can be performed using the seeds that can be found in the dried out blooms. Each brown pod has hundreds of seeds inside, which you can either allow to fall to the ground and hope new plants grow or snap off the pod and place it in a brown paper bag until it is fully dried. The seeds should be planted in the spring. Dividing a plant can prove to be the more difficult option …
Common Problems
- Pests are not common with the balloon plant, though slugs and snails can be bothersome from time to time. Root rot can become a problem with these plants, especially if the soil that it is planted in during the winter does not drain as well as it would in the spring or summer of the year. Adding sand to the soil may help it drain better. The leaves of the plant can also suffer if they ar…
Plant Varieties
- There are quite a few different varieties of this plantthat you can choose from that vary in size, shape, and color, but some of the most common ones are: 1. Astra Series– These are a variety that can have double the petals with blue, pink, and white bloom options. 2. Fuji Series– This is the tallest variation of the plant; in fact, it can have stems that are up to 30 inches long. 3. Koma…