How to Care for Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower)

Korean name: 도라지

Platycodon grandiflorus is a perennial herb known for its star-shaped blue or white flowers. Its roots are used both as food and medicine. The inflated flower buds resemble balloons, giving it its common name.

Key facts

• Category: Wildflower & native plant
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: Korea, East Asia
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
• Flower meaning: eternal love and sincerity
• Traits: wildflower, edible, medicinal, easy to grow
• Also known as: Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
• Soil: Well-drained neutral soil is ideal.
• Humidity: Grows well in normal humidity.
• Temperature: 15~25°C
• Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during growth.

Common questions

How often should you water Platycodon grandiflorus?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Platycodon grandiflorus?

It likes Prefers bright, indirect light.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Well-drained neutral soil is ideal..

Is Platycodon grandiflorus safe around pets?

Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.

Is Platycodon grandiflorus good for beginners?

Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around 15~25°C. Humidity: Grows well in normal humidity.. Fertilise Apply diluted liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during growth..