How to Grow Balloon Flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus)? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods
Platycodon grandiflorus, also known as bao fu hua, bellflower, monk's cap flower and so on, is a perennial herbaceous plant with high ornamental value, and its roots are also used as medicinal material. So, what are the growing methods for Platycodon grandiflorus? Let's take a look together!
1. Site selection and land preparation
The root capacity of Platycodon grandiflorus is not strong, so when planting it needs to be grown in soil with strong permeability and a relatively loose texture. There needs to be a clean water source around the planting site, with a good drainage and irrigation system, and it is best on a hillside with half shade and half sun. After selecting the site, prepare the land in time. Because the roots of Platycodon grandiflorus are relatively long and thick, ridges need to be made when preparing the land. Deeply plow and cultivate the soil, then open furrows, pile the soil from the furrows to both sides, and make field ridges 2 m wide to provide a good growing environment for Platycodon grandiflorus.
2. Sowing at the right time
Except that Platycodon grandiflorus is not suitable for sprouting and emerging in the high-temperature environment of summer, it can be sown in the other three seasons. However, the best time is mid-September each year and around the Beginning of Spring. Sowing at this time helps promote the seeds to take root and sprout, enhances the growth ability of the seedlings, and improves yield and quality. When sowing, it is best to use the drill sowing method. After sowing, cover with fine soil and plastic film in time to improve the soil's water and fertilizer retention, prevent the loss of water and fertilizer, and avoid affecting the seed germination and emergence rate. When the seedlings emerge, uncover the plastic film in time to ensure the normal growth of the seedlings.
3. Field management
When the seedlings break through the soil and grow to about 2 cm, observe the growth condition and density of the seedlings, and do a good job of thinning and spacing the seedlings in time. Then wait until the seedlings grow again, and begin final thinning. When final thinning, control the spacing of the seedlings well to prevent overly dense growth. When thinning, pull out the dead and weak seedlings, then replant missing ones to ensure yield. During the seedling stage of Platycodon grandiflorus, weed regularly to prevent excessive weeds from causing nutrient deficiency in Platycodon grandiflorus. After weeding, apply fertilizer in time. Decomposed farmyard manure can be used, and later apply fertilizer in due course according to the growth condition of Platycodon grandiflorus.
4. Disease and pest control
What Platycodon grandiflorus fears most is various diseases and insect pests. When diseases and pests are severe, they can cause a total crop failure of Platycodon grandiflorus. Common diseases of Platycodon grandiflorus include leaf spot, and pests include aphids, among others. No matter what kind of disease or pest it is, the harm to Platycodon grandiflorus is very serious, so field management must be strengthened, regular disinfection carried out, the nutrients in the fertilizer well controlled, the disease resistance of Platycodon grandiflorus enhanced, immunity improved, and the incidence rate reduced. After disease occurs, pull out the diseased plants in time, check the specific diseases and pests, and then use corresponding treatment methods for control to minimize losses.
The above is the editor's introduction to the growing methods for Platycodon grandiflorus. I hope it can help you!