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We have been busy packing our favorite flower seeds and gearing up for another amazing year. Stay tuned for back in stock seeds and plants for 2025 plus over 75 new varieties!
Balloon Flower 'Mariesii'
Seed Packet

Balloon Flower 'Mariesii'

Platycodon grandiflorus
Balloon flower is for those of us that love the tall lavender blue Campanulas of spring and want to carry their rich hues and graceful wands of bloom throughout summer. This long-lived stalwart of cottage gardens has dusty blue buds that swell into a balloon and then open into deep-throated stars, closing late in the day to be replaced by a freshly blooming flower the next day. Deadheading is a must but not a chore; I can't resist the satisfying pop as the faded flowers separate from the stem. The glossy dark green leaves turn golden yellow in fall, adding another season of interest.
SKU #S1341
$4.00
Currently Unavailable
Notify Me When Available
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Hollyhock - Rugose
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
220
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Mature Size
2-2.5' x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular to rich, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Lavender blue balloon-shaped buds open into cups
Features
Great Cut Flower
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow; requires light
Sprout Time:
15-30 days
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors in pots 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 70°F. Take care not to disturb the fleshy roots when transplanting.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After all danger of frost has passed
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Balloon flower Mariesii—a prized flower of Japan—was introduced to England from its native land in 1879. It has blossomed in gardeners' estimation in the intervening years, for it is low maintenance, long-lived, and trouble-free, all while being exquisitely beautiful. If your plants get too tall and need corralling, try pinching the stems once in mid-spring for more compact branching growth. Stake early to provide some support, and pop off the spent blossoms to prolong bloom time.
Final Spacing:
1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Somewhat drought tolerant as it has tuberous roots. About 1" of water a week.
Soil pH:
Prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
Fertilizer:
Mix in an inch or two of compost prior to planting and every following spring.
Diseases & Pests:
Aphids may be an issue—hose down plants with a heavy stream of water regularly until the pest is gone.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when 2-3 flowers on the stem are open.