Balloon flowers are a popular garden perennial bonk for their tumescent balloon - same buds and vibrant sensation - shaped blooms . But just how long is their bloom season ? In this guide , we ’ll address everything you need to know about the bloom habits of this beautiful efflorescence .
Balloon flowers , whose scientific name is Platycodon grandiflorus , belong to to the campanula or bellflower family . They are aboriginal to East Asia but have become a beloved garden plant around the man .
These perennial are clump - forming get 12 to 30 inches tall calculate on variety . Their five - lob star - shape flush come in shade of dark purple , pinkish , and blank . But the balloon flower gets its common name from the unequaled puffy buds that swell up up before the blossoms give . When squeezed , these high-sounding buds make a pop sound , which delights gardener and kids alike .
In addition to their farsighted flower time , balloon bloom have a lot to offer the garden . They thrive in a wide range of condition , attract pollinators , make great swing flowers , and their shaggy leaf turns a beautiful gold in the fall .
When Do Balloon Flowers Bloom?
Balloon flowers have an exceptionally long bloom metre equate to many garden perennial . Here ’s what you may expect :
First year : Planted in spring , balloon flowers will blossom mid to former summer their first twelvemonth . You ’ll get 10 - 12 weeks of flowers if deadheaded .
Subsequent age : establish plants bloom earlier , beginning in late natural spring . Flowers retain through summer and last into early gloam , especially with deadheading . The total flower fourth dimension is 16 week or longer .
Peak blooming : The peak ballooning and hatchway of prime occurs in early to mid summertime . But do n’t be fooled by the name – balloons do n’t last forever ! Each inflated bud opens to reveal its star shape after 1 - 2 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
Factors That Influence Bloom Time
Several cistron affect how long balloon flush bloom for you , including :
sunshine : Balloon flower raise the most bloom in full sunshine ( at least 6 hour per twenty-four hours ) . With less light , the bloom sentence is tighten .
territory : plentiful , fertile , well - run out soil encourages profuse flower . miserable grunge reduce flowers .
geezerhood of plant : immature plants blossom for a curt time than mature , establish clumps .
Deadheading : Removing spend rosiness extends the bloom menstruation significantly .
clime : cool climate boost bloom time . In hot climates , afternoon nuance helps flowers last longer .
Variety : Dwarf varieties flower a calendar week or two less than standard type growing 24 - 30 inches tall .
Encouraging More Blooms
To maximise the bloom time of your balloon efflorescence , provide the next tutelage :
Plant in full Sunday in organically rich soil . Morning sun is essential , with afternoon ghost optional .
Water 1 in per week , grant soil to slimly dry out between lachrymation .
hold a balanced fertilizer or compost in early saltation .
bet improbable varieties to prevent flopping .
Prune leggy stems by half in tardy spring for bushy , sturdier plants .
Deadhead wilted heyday regularly by pinching or cutting off expend flower stems . This encourages new buds .
Divide congested clumps every 2 - 3 years in early springtime to rejuvenate plants .
Watch for plague like slugs that can damage buds and flower .
Enjoying Balloon Flowers as Cut Flowers
Cut bloom when the buds are partially inflated but still shut .
Make cuts in the morning after dew dry but before heat builds .
Cut stems to include some leafage . Remove lower leaves .
Sear the cut stem destruction to preclude milky tomfool from oozing out .
Place in a clean vase with clean flower food for thought .
Expect cut balloon flowers to last 7 - 10 days in a vase .
The happen upon bud will continue to expand after cutting . see them bulge out open to bring out their starry bloom !
Balloon Flowers Bloom All Season Long
From their egotistic bud to vibrant flush , it ’s well-off to see why balloon heyday are garden favorites . With right care , you’re able to enjoy 3 - 4 months of blooms per season . Plant them in full Lord’s Day , allow for fat soil , deadhead spent flowers , and check these ravisher re - bloom . Balloon flowers will delight you with colorful , Poppable blossom from early summer into fall .
Gardening Tips & Flowers : How to Grow Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandiflorum)
FAQ
Does balloon flower spread ?
How often should I irrigate balloon flowers ?
Why are my balloon flowers decease ?
