How to grow potted balloon flowers? Master these care points

For potted balloon flowers, the optimum production temperature is 16-20°C. They are most commonly grown in spring; if this temperature can be maintained, they can be grown year-round, and they are also fairly commonly grown in early summer and autumn. Growth is slow in the early stage. Pinching is recommended to form a full plant shape; after pinching, the growing period is extended by 7-10 days.

If you want the plants to overwinter, sow 12 weeks before the first frost, so that the plants have good vegetative growth before overwintering and can pass through winter smoothly.

①Control fertilizer and water to prevent the plants from growing leggy. When the seedlings reach 10 cm tall, pinch them in time to promote the growth of side buds and increase the number of flowers per plant.

②Fertilize at the bud stage. At the bud stage, apply 1-2 times a 0.5% superphosphate extract or 0.4% potassium dihydrogen phosphate; this makes the flower colors vivid.

③Cut off spent flowers in time. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the remaining flowers and stems, and apply a topdressing of cake fertilizer extract.

④Keep the soil moist during the growing period.

⑤Overwinter safely. In northern winters, move the flower pots indoors; the following year, prune and tidy the sprouted branches, keeping 1-2 healthy branches to encourage more flowering.

If you want the plants to bloom twice a year, prune before the end of July, leaving branches 25-30 cm long, and strengthen fertilizer and water management, making great efforts in pest and disease control; they will bloom again during the National Day period.