Cardiospermum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cardiospermum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Cardiospermum

Plant Characteristics: Cardiospermum is cherished for its distinctive, balloon-like pods and delicate, lacey foliage. It adds a whimsical charm to trellises and garden fences.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s adaptable to a range of soil types and conditions.
General Care: Requires regular watering and light fertilization. Prune as needed to control growth and shape.
Tips for New Gardeners: balloon vine and Love in a Puff plants are ideal for beginners. They are easy to grow and care for. Just provide enough space for it to climb and flourish.

Heart Pea, Balloon Vine, and Love in a Puff: Cultivation & Garden Use

Cardiospermum is a half hardy perennial, though gardeners often treat it as a half hardy annual.

It is a climber that may grow to 12 feet (4 m) in height.

Cardiospermum flowers in the summer with white flowers and has green fruit.

Other names for this garden plant include heart pea, Heart seed, Balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum), Love in a puff, and Winter Cherry.

Heartseed flower

Heartseed fruit
Heartseed flower and Heartseed fruit by Pellaea.

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Cardiospermum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Balloon Vine, Heart Seed, Winter Cherry, Heart Seed Vine, Love in a Vine, Heart Pea.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial usually grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 120 inches (300 cm).
Native: Tropical regions of Africa, India and the Americas.
Growing Region: Annual: zones 3 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White flowers; plants are usually grown for their showy fruits.
Foliage: Feathery.
Fruit: Round.
Sow Outdoors: 1/2 inch (12mm). Following last frost. Spacing 20 to 48 inches (50 to 120 cm).
Sow Indoors: It is a good idea to start off indoors in order to prolong the growing season. Germination time: three to five weeks. Temperature 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Seven to eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost; minimum temperature should not fall below 40°F (5°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Ordinary soils. Regular watering. Supply a trellis. Propagate from cuttings taken in the spring.
Family: Sapindaceae.
Miscellaneous: Invasive species in Southern USA and South Africa.

How to Grow Heart Pea (Cardiospermum)

If planning to grow Cardiospermum outdoors it is best to sow out the seed after the last frost of spring at a depth of 12 mm (1/2 inch) into well drained soil.

If you plan to grow heart pea seedlings indoors first then the seed should be planted about eight weeks before it is due to be planted out in the middle of spring.

Germination of heart pea should take place at about 20°C and takes from three to four weeks.

Seedlings should be transplanted into a sunny area of the garden at a spacing of around 60 cm (two feet).

Caring for Cardiospermum in the Garden

As Cardiospermum is a climber it will require a trellis for support; it also requires frequent watering.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cardiospermum genus have?

The Cardiospermum genus contains about 14 species.

Do members of Cardiospermum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Cardiospermum, especially Cardiospermum halicacabum (Balloon Vine), can be a charming addition to the garden, with its attractive, balloon-like fruits.

Which Cardiospermum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown is Cardiospermum halicacabum (Balloon Vine).

Are members of the Cardiospermum plant genus fragrant?

Cardiospermum species are not typically known for their fragrance, but for their ornamental fruits.

What is the perfect location to grow Cardiospermum?

Cardiospermum enjoys a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's a fast-growing climber, perfect for trellises or fences.

Is Cardiospermum invasive in the USA?

Yes, Cardiospermum halicacabum is considered invasive in several southern states due to its rapid growth and seed production.

How do I remove Cardiospermum plants from my garden?

Remove Cardiospermum by pulling them out manually or using a glyphosate-based herbicide.

Summary

The Cardiospermum genus, also known as balloon vine, is part of the Sapindaceae family and is native to tropical regions. They are climbing plants known for their inflated, balloon-like fruits and delicate, lacy foliage.

To cultivate Cardiospermum, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring after the last frost. Regular watering is necessary, but they can tolerate short periods of drought. They may need support to climb, making them perfect for trellises or fences.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cardiospermum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Sapindaceae growing guides: How to grow Acer palmatum Dissectum and Aesculus hippocastanum plants.

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