Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Hakone Blue Tall Double’ seeds – (Balloon Flower)

Description

Picture thanks to Jelitto seeds https://www.jelitto.com

A lovely strain recommended  for use in  the cut flower market with long stems and double blooms of a purplish-blue. Deadhead the spent flowers to prolong flowering.

This plant can be easily grown in average soils which are well drained .  It likes full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.

The plant has a long taproot and division is difficult as is transplanting because of its fragile root system.  The new growth comes up late in the season , and can easily be mistakenly weeded out or the crowns can be  damaged, so take care to mark them or to leave the old stems in place to mark the spot.

Sowing advice.

Sow indoors in spring or sow directly outside in early summer after danger of frost has passed. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Do not cover seed as light is needed for germination. Simply press seeds into the soil. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 15-30 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.