Sentimental Blue (Platycodon)

PLATYCODON (Chinese Ballflower)

Perennial (6-10 in/15-24 cm) Approx. 27,500 seeds per oz/28 g

CULTURE: There are two different species (a) Sentimental Blue is a dwarf version of the popular Mariesii used for pot plants or dwarf borders. (b) Komachl is a medium height version used for traditional knee high perennial plants. Both types produce large medium blue buds that swell into large angular balloon-shaped blooms before they open out to produce star or saucer-shaped flowers. Plants like full sun or very light shade and will do well in any well drained sandy soil. Extra mulch or peat moss around tender root systems or shoots will help the plants survive extreme summer heat. Mature plants do not like to be disturbed in any way so do not attempt to divide the plants which have a very long tap root. Plants flower from late June until late July or mid August. As flowers fade remove them to extend flowering season. Cut back plants in late summer. Foliage disappears at ground level until late spring, so you should mark growing areas in the fall with labels.

GREENHOUSE: Sow outdoors about 6 weeks before your last spring or first fall frosts. Sow indoors Jan.1st at 70°F/20°C (slightly cooler at night) for 3 weeks. Press seed into the surface, do not cover with soil. Use clear glass to cover seed flats, germinate in semi-shade. Sentimental Blue will bloom 14 weeks from seed and has excellent tolerance to heat.