How to sow balloon flower seeds? Detailed sowing techniques

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is usually propagated by seed. Select high-yielding plants for seed collection. In late August, remove the flower clusters on the side branches of the seed plants so that nutrients are concentrated on the development of the upper and middle fruits, promoting plump seeds and improving seed quality. It can be sown in autumn, winter or spring, with autumn sowing being the best. Let's take a look at balloon flower seed propagation techniques below!

Seed selection methods for balloon flower

For balloon flower, choose seeds from plants at least 2 years old and not stale (if seeds are stored for one year, the germination rate drops by more than 70%). Before planting, conduct a germination test to ensure the seed germination rate is above 70%.

Seed treatment for balloon flower

Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours, or soak them in 0.3% potassium permanganate for 12 hours, or use ultrasonic treatment, which can significantly increase the seed germination rate. After treatment, germinating the seeds until they sprout gives a seedling emergence rate 25.5% higher.

Sowing techniques for balloon flower

Balloon flower can be sown in spring, summer and autumn, with sowing in late October to early November being the best. There are two sowing methods: warm-water soaking of seeds and dry sowing. Sowing after warm-water soaking is recommended, as it allows earlier emergence.

1. Warm-water soaking method: Place the balloon flower seeds in warm water, stir immediately until the water cools, then soak for another 8 hours. Wrap the seeds in a wet cloth, cover with a wet burlap sheet, and rinse with warm water once each morning and evening for about 5 days. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they can be sown. Sow the seeds evenly in the furrows. Because the seeds are small, they can be mixed with fine sand before sowing. After sowing, cover with soil or wood ash. In arid areas, water after sowing to keep moist. Use 500-750 grams of seed per mu. During emergence, pay attention to loosening the soil and removing weeds. When the seedlings are about 2 cm tall, thin them, keeping strong seedlings according to the plant spacing in meters. In places where seedlings are sparse or missing, transplant seedlings on cloudy days to fill the gaps. Then apply dilute human and livestock manure water, cover after application, apply another topdressing and earth up to prevent lodging. Cover after application. In addition, frequently loosen the soil and remove weeds, and water promptly in dry weather. Generally, harvest in late autumn after sowing or before sprouting in early spring.

2. Dry sowing method: Seeds sown dry take about 25 days to emerge, while germinated seeds also take about 10 days to emerge. After the seedlings emerge, remove weeds promptly. If the seedlings are too dense, thin them in good time, preferably at 10-12 plants per 100 square cm, keeping one plant every 5 cm during thinning (about 60,000 plants per mu), and combine this with loosening the soil. Weeding should also be done in good time later. In addition, balloon flower has a long flowering period and consumes a large amount of nutrients, affecting root growth. Except for seed-production fields, remove flowers and fruits promptly to improve root yield and quality.