Platycodon is a very long-lived Hardy Perennial.

It dies back completely below ground in winter, disappearing without a trace.

The "Late Riser": Be patient in spring! Platycodon is one of the last perennials to wake up, often not showing green shoots until May. Do not panic and dig it up thinking it has died—it is just sleeping in. Mark the spot with a stick so you don't accidentally hoe it!

Top Tip: It has a fleshy taproot (like a parsnip). This makes it very drought tolerant but means it hates being moved. Plant it in its forever home while it is young.

Germination:
Sow indoors from February to May. Surface sow onto moist compost and do not cover (or use a very fine dusting of vermiculite), as they need light to germinate. Keep warm (20°C). Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in sun or partial shade. They prefer deep, well-drained, loamy soil. They dislike heavy, waterlogged clay in winter, so add grit to the planting hole if your soil is wet.

Care While Growing:
Once established, they are low maintenance. The stems are sturdy and rarely need staking. Deadhead the spent flowers to keep the display looking fresh, but leave the stems standing in autumn until they turn yellow, as the leaves often turn a beautiful gold colour.

Because Platycodon emerges late, it is great to plant it near early bloomers or contrasting shapes:

• 🌷 Spring Bulbs (Daffodils/Tulips): The Cover Up. Plant spring bulbs around the Platycodon clump. The bulbs will flower and die back just as the Balloon Flower starts to emerge, covering the fading bulb foliage with fresh green growth.
• 🌾 Briza Maxima (Quaking Grass): Texture Contrast. The delicate, shaking heads of the grass look beautiful next to the solid, structured bells of the Balloon Flower.

Sow indoors in spring. Plants may flower lightly in Year 1, but fully from Year 2 onwards.