With their stunning range of colors, it’s no wonder the Chinese Bellflower—or Balloon Flower, as most of us call it—is a total favorite among home gardeners. The best part? They are incredibly low-maintenance. If you’ve fallen in love with these blue, pink, or white blooms, you’ve probably thought about growing more of them yourself. Luckily, there are two easy ways to propagate them and expand your garden.
A Quick Heads-Up on Using Seeds
One way to get more Balloon Flowers is by starting them from seed. Just a little pro-tip: if you harvest seeds from your own plants, there’s no guarantee the new flowers will be the exact same color as the parent plant. Because of cross-pollination, you might end up with a surprise color! If you have your heart set on a specific shade, your best bet is to buy a fresh packet of seeds from a reputable supplier.
How to Sow Your Seeds
Harvesting the seeds is pretty straightforward. Just wait until the flowers have completely faded and dried out, then collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry spot. Come February, you can start them indoors in pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.
Place your pots in a warm spot, but keep them out of harsh, direct light. Here’s the trick: Balloon Flowers are “light germinators,” meaning they need a bit of light to wake up. Don’t bury them deep; just press them gently into the surface of the soil. By early to mid-May, your little seedlings should be ready to move into your garden beds or out onto the balcony.
Propagation by Division
If you want a bit of a shortcut, dividing the root ball is often much easier. This works best for established plants that are at least five years old. Here’s how you do it:
- Carefully dig up the entire root ball.
- Use a sharp spade to divide the roots into sections.
- Dig new holes for your new plants.
- Mix some compost into the holes to give them a nutrient boost.
- Replant the sections at the same depth they were growing before.
- Make sure you’ve picked out the perfect locations for your new garden additions!
