When to plant a Balloon Flower - Ask Extension
I received a Balloon Flower (Platycodon) from a grower last week. It's bareroot, but I'm not sure when to plant it. Although it's a perennial, shoul...
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When to plant a Balloon Flower #890659
Asked December 09, 2024, 6:30 PM EST
I received a Balloon Flower (Platycodon) from a grower last week. It's bareroot, but I'm not sure when to plant it. Although it's a perennial, should I plant it out dooors, indoors, or wait until spring.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your questions, Elaine. The Extension resources that discuss this plant all agreed that is "very difficult to transplant," so, despite your best efforts, this may not work. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=743&PlantTypeID=2
Most woody plants should be transplanted in the fall, while the soil is warm and workable. They can then establish root systems throughout the winter. This species can tolerate temperatures far below our region's coldest ones historically.
Remaining over the winter with no medium (soil) surrounding the roots may cause the roots to dry out, and they are already temperamental due to a "fragile fleshy root system". https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/platycodon-grandiflorus/
If you have a spot in the garden that is well-draining, in full sun to partial shade, you can try to plant it now. Just be sure to break up the soil at least to a foot beyond the existing root ball, watering both the plant and the hole before and after planting. Adding a compost such as fallen leaves will protect the structure and provide nutrients as the leaves decompose. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Most woody plants should be transplanted in the fall, while the soil is warm and workable. They can then establish root systems throughout the winter. This species can tolerate temperatures far below our region's coldest ones historically.
Remaining over the winter with no medium (soil) surrounding the roots may cause the roots to dry out, and they are already temperamental due to a "fragile fleshy root system". https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/platycodon-grandiflorus/
If you have a spot in the garden that is well-draining, in full sun to partial shade, you can try to plant it now. Just be sure to break up the soil at least to a foot beyond the existing root ball, watering both the plant and the hole before and after planting. Adding a compost such as fallen leaves will protect the structure and provide nutrients as the leaves decompose. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Thank you. I will plant the balloon flower very soon. MG in Tualatin
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