White Balloon Flower Seeds

White Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus White) is a graceful perennial prized for its pure white, star-shaped flowers that emerge from distinctive balloon-like buds. The inflated buds slowly expand before bursting open into elegant five-pointed blooms that brighten the summer garden. Its compact growth habit, dark green foliage, and long blooming season make it an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and decorative containers.

Garden Uses

White Balloon Flower is ideal for mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, edging, rock gardens, patio containers, and moon gardens where its bright white flowers remain visible even in the evening. The blooms pair beautifully with blue salvia, lavender, purple coneflowers, coreopsis, yarrow, dianthus, and ornamental grasses. They also make attractive, long-lasting cut flowers for fresh bouquets.

Growing Information

Start seeds indoors approximately 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface of a moist seed-starting mix and press them lightly into the soil, as light improves germination. Maintain temperatures between 65° and 70°F while keeping the soil evenly moist. Germination generally occurs in 14 to 30 days.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Balloon Flowers develop thick, fleshy roots and dislike transplanting once established, so choose their permanent location carefully. Water regularly during the first growing season, then only during extended dry periods.

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