The Platycodon contains one species, and this is a commonly grown garden plant.
It goes by the common names of Balloon Flower or Bellflower.
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon flower) by Carl E Lewis.
The plant is a hardy perennial. Platycodon plant stalks can reach 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height.
Platycodon flowers in the summer with white, blue, or purple bell shaped flowers.
Only one species in Genus, but numerous varieties and cultivars available.
Sometimes referred to as Platycodon grandiflorum
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Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon flower / Chinese Bellflower), photograph by manuel m. v.; CC.
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon flower Fuji Blue cultivar), photograph by Paul VanDerWerf; CC.
White Platycodon grandiflorus (White Chinese Bellflower), picture by Udo Schröter; CC.
The seeds of Balloon flowers (Platycodon) should be sown on the soil surface. This can be done in either spring or summer.
They have a preference for a rich and moist soil. ideally Platycodon likes to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden. It is important that the location has good drainage.
If starting off indoors, do so about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. It should take seeds about two to four weeks to germinate at 20 degrees Celsius (68°F).
The seedlings should be transplanted with great care into the garden at the end of spring. Space at about 25 cm to 75 cm (10 to 30 inches) apart, depending upon the size of the Platycodon variety.
It is quite easy to care for Platycodon. They like a moist soil so keep well watered, and dead head the flowers to extend the period in which they bloom.
As they are very delicate plants it may be wise to carefully stake larger varieties.
It is best to propagate plants by taking cuttings in the spring or growing from seeds. Although the plants can be propagated by division, this can often damage the plant.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Platycodon plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Lobelia; Gilia and Campanula plants.