The harvesting season for Gomphocarpus physocarpus (balloon plant) typically begins in July and ends in October.
balloon plant
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
The balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is truly amazing! Its green, ovate leaves cradle clusters of appealing pink 'balloons' - seed pods that range in size from just a few millimetres to the size of a golf ball. It is an attractive, easy to care for plant that makes a great addition to any garden. Plus, the intense fragrances of the tubular flowers and the seed pods, while often overlooked, add a wonderful aroma to the garden. The plants are very tolerant of extreme temperatures, drought and wind; making it a great choice for any gardening enthusiast. It's truly amazing!
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 10
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
green,brown Fruits Ready In Summer
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Balloon plant should be given regular watering with the aim of keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Waterings should be done every 2 to 3 days away from the midday sun. During hot and dry summer days, you may need to water the plant daily. In winter, you can reduce frequency of watering to once a week. Do not let the soil dry completely between waterings. Also, during the dormant winter months, the plant should not be given too much water as it can cause root rot. In general, it is better to water your balloon plant lightly but frequently rather than heavily once in a while.
sunlight
Balloon Plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) prefers bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. It should receive at least 6 hours of partial sunlight every day for optimal growth and appearance. For larger, heavier blooms, give the plant more hours of sunlight, up to 8 or 10 hours. If the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight it may become scorched or stressed, causing its leaves and blooms to fade or become discolored. During the hottest times of the day, it is best to send the plant some filtered shade or direct the sunlight through a sheer curtain or window blinds.
pruning
To ensure optimum growth, the balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. Pruning the plant will help to ensure that it has a neat, tidy appearance and will help stimulate new growth and blooms. To prune the balloon plant, remove any dead or damaged stems and foliage, and also any stems that are growing out of the designated shape. Prune all stems and foliage within the main framework back to about 1 third their original length. Do not over prune, as it could stunt the plant's growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Gomphocarpus physocarpus typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
Starts Flowering
Gomphocarpus physocarpus typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Gomphocarpus physocarpus (balloon plant) typically begins in July and ends in October.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Should I deadhead balloon flowers regularly?
Yes, you should deadhead balloon flowers regularly. Deadheading is the practice of cutting off any wilted or faded flowers from the plant. By doing this, you are encouraging the plant to produce new flowers, which can give your garden a vibrant, lively look. Additionally, deadheading a balloon flower ensures that the plant is strongly rooted and that it's not using as much energy to form dead flowers. Regular deadheading can also help prevent pests and diseases from affecting the plant and can help keep it healthy.
Is it possible to grow balloon flowers indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow balloon flowers indoors. Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are herbaceous perennials that can survive in a wide range of temperatures and light conditions, making them suitable for indoor cultivation. While best grown outdoors in zones 4 to 9, they can be grown in bright, indirect light indoors, usually near a south-facing window. Planting the flower in a small pot with well-draining potting soil and watering regularly (but not too often) will help the balloon flower thrive indoors.
Should I remove the faded flowers of balloon flowers?
Yes, you should remove the faded flowers of balloon flowers. Removing the faded flowers encourages the plant to produce more flowers, extends the blooming season, and helps to keep the plant healthy. If you are growing balloon flowers as a cut flower, you may want to consider removing the faded flowers as it may help to extend the season of the flower’s beauty. Additionally, removing faded flowers can help to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
Could balloon flowers survive in a cold climate?
Balloon flowers can survive in a cold climate, but they may not last as robustly as they would in a warmer climate. While they don't require a lot of care, they may need a little extra attention in a cold climate - like protecting them from the cold winter winds with burlap or lightweight row covers. They prefer a light soil, so adding mulch to their environment can also help them stay warm and happy in colder climates.
Is it possible to grow balloon flowers from cuttings?
Yes, it is possible to grow balloon flowers from cuttings. To do so, take a few cuttings from a healthy, mature plant and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone and then insert it into a container filled with moist potting soil. Cover the container with plastic and keep it warm and moist. With a little bit of luck, the cutting will root in about six weeks and you can then transplant the newly rooted cuttings in their own containers.
Are balloon flowers annuals or perennials?
Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are perennials, meaning that they live for more than one growing season. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. They are native to China and Japan and are part of the campanulaceae family.
Should I mulch around balloon flowers?
Yes, mulching around balloon flowers is a great way to keep the soil moist and provide additional nutrition. Mulch also helps keep weeds away and can help reduce disease problems. It will also help prevent the plant from drying out, especially in hot weather. Make sure to use organic mulches such as grass clippings or compost, and keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant.
Could balloon flowers be used in a rock garden?
Yes, balloon flowers can be used in a rock garden. These flowers are known for their rosette shaped foliage and star-shaped pink or blue flowers that make them perfect for rock gardens and other harsh growing environments. Plant them in clusters in sunny areas with good drainage to enjoy their blooming beauty, year after year. Low maintenance and drought tolerant, balloon flowers are perfect for bringing color and texture to your rock garden landscape.
