Also known as Balloon Flower · 410 saves
Platycodon
Platycodon, the genus most gardeners know as balloon flower. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Platycodon varieties
Browse all 8 Platycodon varieties →
Species of Platycodon
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Platycodon in Sow
Save the Platycodon you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Platycodon
Whats common across all Platycodon varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Platycodon year
- DeadheadJune–August88% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March75% of varieties
Cut back old stems to the ground before new growth emerges.
- FertilizeMarch and April50% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune after flowering to shape and promote new growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t transplant during peak flowering
- Don’t disturb roots during the flowering period
- Never fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
What goes wrong with Platycodon
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled, yellowing leaves with sticky residue | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Handpick at night or set slug traps |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed foliage and flowers | Handpick or apply appropriate insecticide |
| Snails | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic snail bait or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Crown and root rot | Shoots wilt and blacken at the base and the fleshy root turns soft and brown, usually after a wet winter or in heavy soil | There is no cure once the root is soft; lift and dispose of affected plants and replant elsewhere in free-draining or raised soil |
Making more Platycodon
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 6 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Division
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil.
Platycodon questions
How many types of Platycodon are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Platycodon varieties. The most popular — ranked by 410 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Platycodon grow in?
Across its varieties, Platycodon covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Platycodon bloom?
Most Platycodon varieties bloom in mid-summer, mid to late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Platycodon should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.