Platycodon grandiflorus. Balloon Flower has large, round flowers that look just like balloons before they bloom. Yet once open, they are graceful, saucer-shaped stars. Balloon Flower can be direct-sown outdoors or started indoors 4 to 8 weeks for transplant out after the last spring frost date. Well worth the wait, Balloon Flower will not flower until the second season but when it does flower, stand back! Its heavily flower-laden stems make perfect cutting flowers. They should be cut when 2 to 3 flowers open on an individual stem. Flame-sear each stem's cut-end before placing them in water to prevent wilting. Deer resistant. Perennial. Hardiness zones: 3-8. Summer flowering. Height: 18" to 24".

Average seed life: 2 to 3 years.