Platycodon from seeds. Platycodon: growing from seeds, planting in open ground. Planting platycodon in open ground

To fall in love with Platycodon, just look at his photo. These large multi-colored bells will not leave indifferent any grower. Especially when you consider that in addition to external attractiveness, he also has a lot of positive aspects. Platycodon, planting and caring for which is not burdensome, will suit anyone, even the most inexperienced gardener. Various varieties will bring freshness and variety to your landscaping, and the ease of growing it outdoors will surprise you.

If you translate the name of this flower from Greek, you get a "wide bowl". Compared to the common bell, Platycodon has larger flowers, open and resembling a five-pointed star. Most often it is found in purple, blue and white colors. Terry forms of this flower also have an inner circle of petals. Thus, the flower looks like two bells: one inside the other.

To the most common varieties platycodon can be attributed to:

1. White Album. One of the most common varieties. Stems reach 80 cm. Large white flowers 8 cm in diameter. Sometimes blue veins can be seen on the flowers.
2. Pink "Shell Pink". A very beautiful ornamental variety. The height and size of the inflorescences does not differ from white.

Such a herbaceous perennial plant as platycodon (Platycodon), also called broadbell, is a member of the bell family. The flowers of these plants look like large wide bells. In nature, they can often be found in Eastern Siberia, China, the Far East, as well as in Korea and Japan. Platycodon prefer to grow on the edges of the forest, rocky slopes and forest glades. The name of such a plant comes from the Greek language, and it consists of the words "platys" - "wide, even" and "kodon" - "bell". This genus is monotypic, because it includes only 1 species - platycodon grandiflorus, or large-flowered broad bell (sometimes confused with broad-leaved bell). This species has been cultivated since 1872, but this flower gained popularity among gardeners only at the beginning of the 20th century.

The rhizome of platycodon is fleshy, and the height of its straight, thin, densely leafy shoots can vary from 0.2 to 0.8 m. Oppositely located leaf plates have an elongated narrow or ovoid shape, as well as a finely serrated edge. The leaflets located below are part of the basal rosette. Leaf plates and shoots have a light bluish tint. Flowers can be solitary or 3-5 pieces collected in paniculate inflorescences. Widely opened flowers are quite large, they can reach 8 centimeters in diameter, on the surface of the blue petals a network consisting of thin dark veins is clearly visible. There are forms, the color of flowers in which can be white or dark purple. Externally swollen buds of such a plant are very similar to lanterns. Flowering lasts about 8 weeks and begins in the second half of July. The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule containing glossy, flat, ovoid seeds. It is recommended to grow such a flower in the garden along with a tall bell, gypsophila or undersized phlox.

Sowing

Very often, gardeners choose the generative (seed) method for propagating platycodon. Seeds can be sown directly into open soil in spring or before winter, but experts advise growing such a plant through seedlings. It is recommended to sow seeds for seedlings in the last days of February or the first - March. Before you start sowing, the seeds must be prepared. To do this, they are poured into a bag of gauze and placed in a not very large vessel filled with water, where they must stay for two days. For sowing seeds, it is recommended to use large flowerpots or boxes, which must be filled with soil mixture consisting of humus, peat soil and sand (1:1:1). The substrate must be well loosened, and then the seeds of platycodon are laid out on its surface. There are 2 different opinions about planting seed in the ground, for example, one of the gardeners claims that it is not necessary to bury the seeds, while the rest say that they must be sprinkled with a thin (thickness from 0.3 to 0.5 cm) layer of sand. When sowing is completed, the substrate should be moistened with water at room temperature, using a sprayer for this. Cover the container from above with a film, and then transfer it to a warm place (from 20 to 22 degrees). Watering crops is necessary only after the top layer of the substrate dries. The first seedlings should appear 7-15 days after sowing.

It is necessary to care for the growing seedlings of platycodon in exactly the same way as for seedlings of other garden flowers. When the first seedlings appear, the shelter must be removed, while the container itself is moved to a cooler place (from 18 to 20 degrees). Seedlings should be watered only when necessary. After each watering, be sure to very carefully loosen the soil in the container. After the seedlings have 3 or 4 true leaves, they will need to be picked into individual pots with a diameter of about 10 centimeters. In these containers, flowers will grow until the moment of disembarkation.

What time to plant

Platycodon seedlings should be planted in open soil in the last days of May or the first days of June, when you are sure that the night frosts are over. For such a plant, it is recommended to choose a sunny area in the garden, but it can also grow and develop normally in partial shade. The soil should be not too wet, well-drained, loose and saturated with nutrients. Loam with a low sand content and a neutral reaction is best suited for such a flower. In an adult bush, the root system is located vertically, in connection with this, groundwater in the area must necessarily lie deep enough. It should also be noted that platycodon cannot be transplanted, because its roots are very fragile. It can be grown in the same place for more than 10 years. Before planting seedlings, the site must be dug up, while adding fertilizer to the soil, so, for 1 square meter, 1 large spoonful of complex mineral fertilizer and 0.5 tbsp. wood ash.

Landing features

The size of the holes should only slightly exceed the volume of pots with seedlings. The distance between them should be from 25 to 30 centimeters. Before planting, the plant should be watered abundantly. There are gardeners who recommend immersing the plant completely in water along with the pot before planting. Then the seedlings are carefully removed from the pot, and the earthen lump is lowered into the prepared hole, which is then covered with soil and compacted a little. Planted plants need watering.

Caring for platycodon in the garden

Seedlings that have just been planted in open soil need systematic watering. It must be carried out every day for the first 14 days. Then the plants are watered no more than 1 time in three days and not so much water is poured onto one bush. When the platycodon is watered, it is necessary to loosen the surface of the soil and pull out all the weeds. To reduce the amount of watering, weeding and loosening the soil, it is recommended to cover it with a layer of mulch.

Also, this plant should be fed systematically once every 4 weeks with a complex fertilizer for flowering plants. These flowers have one feature, namely, they strongly stretch upwards, this becomes clearly noticeable after the bush is 3 years old. In order to preserve the decorativeness of the flowers, they are recommended to regularly pinch them, or they can be treated with a special preparator in the spring, which helps to slow down the growth of the plant (inhibitor), for example, you can use Athlete. In the event that the platycodons are still very stretched out, they will definitely need to be tied to a support. It is also necessary to remove the flowers that have begun to fade in time.

It is best and most reliable to propagate such a plant in a generative (seed) way. Some gardeners try to propagate platycodon by cuttings, but only a few succeed in doing this. But if there is a desire, then of course, you can try to grow such a flower from cuttings. Cuttings are harvested in the spring, for this it is necessary to cut off the stem process with a pair of internodes, as well as with a heel. Next, the cutting is planted for rooting as usual.

If the bush is grown on sandy soil, then for its reproduction, you can resort to dividing the bush. To do this, carefully dig out the flower, and then make a thorough inspection. If you find shoots with buds, they can be carefully cut with a pre-sterilized sharp knife. The places of cuts should be treated with sulfur or ash, and then the delenki should be planted in a permanent place in open soil. However, propagating platycodon vegetatively, you should be prepared for the fact that you will fail. The best and easiest way to grow this plant is from seeds.

Diseases and pests

This plant is very resistant to various diseases. However, if there is prolonged very damp weather, then the likelihood of infection with gray rot is high. In order to avoid this, experts advise to loosen the surface of the soil well, and also be extremely careful with watering, try not to allow moisture to stagnate in the root system of the plant. If the flowers have already begun to rot, then it is recommended to dig up and destroy the affected bushes, and the remaining ones must be sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate or Fundazol (2%) or Topsin-M (1%). After 1.5 weeks, the plants are recommended to be sprayed again.

Only rodents, or rather, moles and mice, can harm such a flower. They are able to injure its root system. There are a large number of methods that will help get rid of these pests, but which ones are suitable in your case, it's up to you. The most effective way is to "smoke out" rodents from their houses. To do this, you need to connect a rubber hose to the chainsaw exhaust port. The other end of this hose should be placed in the hole. While the chainsaw is working, smoke will begin to flow into the mink, and the rodents will get out to the surface. There is another way to get rid of pests. You will need to purchase baits with poisoned grits and spread them around the site. It should be noted that this method of rodent control does not affect moles.

Platycodon after flowering

When the box inside the flower cracks, it will be possible to understand that the seeds are ripe. Seeds are collected only after the pedicels are completely dry (usually in September). From seeds collected with one's own hand, completely new varieties can grow, while the flowers of such plants will have an unusual color.

Preparing for the winter

This flower is a perennial. In this regard, in autumn, its above-ground part must be completely cut off, and the surface of the site should be covered with a thick layer of mulch (humus, dried leaves, peat, sawdust or spruce branches).

Platycodon varieties with photos and names

As mentioned above, Platycodon has only one species, but there are a great variety of different varieties. The most popular varieties:

1. Album. A fairly common variety with erect shoots, the height of which can vary from 0.6 to 0.8 m. The diameter of white large flowers is 8 centimeters, while their surface can be streaked with thin blue veins. Flowering is observed from the last days of June to August.
2. Shell Pink. Plant height is about 0.8 m, and large flowers are painted in light pink.
3. Marysil Blue. The height of a compact plant does not exceed 0.35 m. Blue flowers have a spectacular lavender hue.
4. Fairy Snow. Plant height is about 0.8 m. Single flowers are very delicate, they are painted in light lilac or white and have thin streaks of blue color.
5. Epoyema. The height of the plant does not exceed 0.2 m. The color of the flowers is blue-violet. Recommended for growing in rock gardens and rockeries.
6. snowflakes. Semi-double flowers of white color flaunt on a bush of half a meter in height.
7. Maser of Pearl. The height of the bushes is about 0.6 m. The color of the flowers is pale pink.

Sometimes gardeners decorate their garden with a flower such as Ussuri codonopsis (codonopsis means "like a bell"). This plant is closely related to platycodon, but its aroma is very sharp and unpleasant, which is why it is not very popular with gardeners.

Platycodon- a large plant with a fleshy rhizome, thin and straight stems. The stems reach a height of 20 to 80 cm. Single or flowers collected in panicles - up to 8 cm in diameter. The plant is distinguished by beautiful large flowers resembling bells.

Platycodons come in a variety of colors, simple and terry, large and small. Blooms from July to August, creating the most beautiful garden compositions, and due to unpretentiousness gained popularity among gardeners.

Growing platycodon seeds

As a rule, the plant is grown from seeds. Seedlings are sown directly into the ground in the spring, after the snow melts, or in the fall before the first frost. And also sown in containers, followed by planting in open ground.

Each method of plant propagation by seedlings has its own characteristics, which should be taken into account in the care.

Sowing seeds in open ground

Sowing seeds in open ground is the best and most common option:

1. before planting seeds in the ground, the ground is thoroughly watered, preferably with warm, pre-settled water;
2. then seeds are sown;
3. a layer of earth not more than 0.3 cm is poured on top;
4. sprayed with a spray bottle and covered with a film.

When and how to sow?

1. Sow seeds for seedlings in open ground after the snow melts and the earth warms up. This is the period of late May - early June, but it all depends on the climate zone.
2. Before sowing, the seeds are treated properly and thereby increase their germination. Placed in a canvas bag and in a container with water - kept in this form for 2 days, allowing it to absorb moisture and swell. Only after such a preliminary treatment of the seeds, you can proceed to subsequent work.
3. Some gardeners soak the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, which allows you to sanitize and make the entrances stronger. After sown in the ground. It is optimal to choose the following mixture: peat, humus and sand. All are taken in equal proportions.
4. The earth is carefully loosened and seeds are already sown further. Whether there is a need to press the seeds into the soil - opinions differ here. Some specialists do not do this, while others press it shallowly, by 3-4 mm, sprinkling not with earth, but with a thin layer of sand.
5. After the seeds are sown, the soil is moistened from the sprayer with warm water. Then the seeds are covered with a film if they are sown on the street and watered as the top layer dries.

Growing seedlings

To obtain seedlings, seeds are sown in containers, such work is carried out at the end of January or beginning of February. At the very beginning, the seeds are wrapped in a damp cloth and dipped in a container with water, soaking for one and a half to two days. This will prepare the seeds and increase the percentage of germination.

Sowing seeds for seedlings:

Seedling care:

1. Before the emergence of shoots, the optimum temperature in the room is within +22 - +27 degrees, and after it is gradually lowered to +18 - +20 degrees.
2. Water the seedlings as they dry and regularly raise the film for ventilation.
3. When the seedlings have 3-4 leaves, the seedlings are planted in separate flowerpots diving.
4. Seedlings are in containers until they are planted in open ground in a country house or garden plot.

Landing in open ground

Seedlings are ready for planting in open ground in early June. Up to this point, it has grown and grown stronger, but it should be planted carefully - the main thing in this process is not to damage the root system of the plant. For this use transshipment method, and if the plant is planted in a peat cup, they are planted in the ground with it.

The platycodon plant itself is classified as a perennial and therefore does not like frequent transplants - seedlings are planted on a plot in such a way that at least 5-7 years will grow in one place. In one place, platycodon grows up to 10-11 years, after which the plant is transplanted to a new site.

Before planting seedlings, the earth is loosened. 1 tablespoon of complex fertilizer and 0.5 tablespoon of wood ash are added to the well.

The hole under the root system is made shallow, the distance between the seedlings is at least 15-20 cm.

When planting, each seedling is carefully sprinkled with earth and lightly tamped with hands. Next, water and mulch with peat.

Selecting a landing site

• Place to drop off they choose illuminated, plants do not like shade or partial shade - they lose their beauty, stretching upwards, decorative characteristics suffer.
• Priming in the selected area it should be loose and nutritious - it is optimal if it is black soil, into which sand or rotted leaves are added to improve air permeability.
• The ideal soil for this plant is loam, with the addition of a small percentage of sand and a neutral pH.
• The root system is built vertically. Adult Platycodon does not like areas with stagnant water.
• When preparing the soil be sure to remove weeds and loosen the ground well. And also make a sufficient amount of fertilizer.
• It is better to apply organic fertilizers in the form of a manure solution in the spring or for the winter, scatter dry chicken manure on the ground.
• Platycodon does not tolerate drafts.

When to plant outdoors?

Seedlings are planted directly into the ground at the end of May. If the earth warmed up enough, it is possible at the beginning of the month. This is especially true for the southern regions. In the northern regions the plant is planted in open ground no earlier than June when the risk of night frost is minimized and the plant will not die.

Landing Rules

• First, mark up the prepared area - the holes are located at a distance of 25-30 cm.
• Make holes slightly larger than the diameter of the pot.
• Seedlings are watered before planting
• After they are pulled out of the flowerpot along with an earthy clod, without disturbing the root system.
• It is better to plant seedlings in the ground in peat wagons.
• After planting in the ground, the seedlings are sprinkled in a circle and lightly tamped.
• Water abundantly, and this is where the planting process ends.

Care after landing

Caring for a plant in a personal plot, in a garden or an ampelous hill consists in proper watering and fertilization, pruning and rodent control.

Watering

Fertilizer and top dressing

If the area where platycodon grows is constantly covered with mulch from organic waste - compost or humus, then there is no need to add additional nutrient compounds. If this is not possible, you need to regularly, at intervals of once every 2 weeks, apply a complex mineral fertilizer intended for flowering crops.

Trimming and pinching

A widely grown plant, elongated in height, is not aesthetically pleasing to look at. To prevent such a process, the plant is pinched throughout the growing season. Do this regularly, above the point of active growth.

If, at a certain stage of care, this moment of pinching is missed - the plant stretches sharply upwards, then to give a beautiful aesthetic appearance tied to a support.

It is optimal to prune, leaving a height of 30-40 cm. This also stimulates the abundant bushiness of the flower.

Pests and diseases of platycodon

Platycodon is immune to pests and many diseases. It is rarely affected by gray rot, which is typical for a period of prolonged dampness. To prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and the death of the plant, the ground around is mulched and the affected plants are removed. A healthy plant is treated with a 2% solution of Fundazol or a solution of copper sulfate.

With regard to pests - for this flower, only mice and moles that damage the root system, causing the death of the flower. In the fight against rodents and pests, there are many means and methods of control.

Reproduction of platycodon

In addition to propagation by seeds, platycodon is successfully propagated by cuttings. In this case, it is rare to get a successful result in the form of a rooted cutting.

Reproduction by cuttings

To propagate the plant with the help of cuttings, they take a process with two internodes and a heel. The rest of the procedure is indistinguishable from the process of propagation by cuttings of other plants:

• The stalk is placed in water, if desired, you can add a growth stimulator and wait for the roots to appear
• After planted in open ground.
• You can also root the cutting in moist soil - it is important to plant it in a peat pot, which is then planted in the ground without disturbing the root system.
• When planting a cutting in the ground, it is important to remember that it is worth cutting it with a sharp knife and sprinkle the cut with activated charcoal or ash.

The division of the bush

This method is rarely used due to the fragility of the plant's root system. But it is practiced somewhat more often than cuttings and less often than propagation by seeds, which is considered a more promising method of plant propagation.

Platycodon after flowering

After the flower fades, it is time to collect seeds and prepare for winter.

How and when to collect seeds?

The ripeness of the seeds can be determined by the degree of opening of the box. Collect them after the pedicel of the plant dries completely. Most often, seeds are collected in September. Dry in the shade and store until next year in a cloth or paper bag.

Preparing for winter

• First of all, the aerial part of the plant is cut almost to the root.
• The area with flowers is covered with mulch. To do this, use sawdust and peat, as well as sawdust and dry foliage, covered with spruce branches on top.
• Before shelter for the winter, humus or ash is brought under the bush, which will serve as a recharge during the winter period and in the spring, as a source and supplier of nutrients.

If the climate allows and the winters are warm, the plant can not be covered for the winter. The main thing to remember is the principle - the further north the region is located, the thicker the layer.

How to transplant platycodon?

Transplant the plant in late spring or early summer when the night frosts pass and a stable positive temperature is established.

Since the plant does not tolerate transplantation well - they do it very carefully - the bush may not take root in a new place.

Platycodon Transplant Tips:

• The distance between the bushes is 25-30 cm - the bushes grow rapidly and drown out each other.
• A tall bush is pinched to create the density of the main mass, and if it stretches, it is tied up. But it is best to cut the plant in a timely manner, forming more green mass and mouth volume.
• After planting, water abundantly.

The plant does not cause much trouble in care, the main problem is due to improper preparation for wintering. If everything is done correctly, this amazing plant will delight for many years with large bells of a wide variety of colors.

Platycodon in landscape design

In the process of creating a landscape, platycodon is used quite widely. Dwarf varieties perfectly decorate the flower bed, if combined in a composition with miniature types of phlox and peonies, lilies and irises, conifers.

Perfectly decorates platycodon and borders, alpine slides. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and combine the plant in the most unusual compositions. Do not plant Platycodon together with plants that will grow taller than it, shading and blocking its light. In all other respects, there are no strict rules and restrictions in the formation of landscape design.

Tall perennial bells with large, wide-open blue flowers - large-flowered platycodons - adorn forest edges, glades and rocky placers in the vast Far Eastern and Siberian territories, in the northern regions of Korea, Japan and China. The wild Platycodon is used in Chinese cooking and folk medicine. It is also called a wide bell - this is a direct translation of the botanical name from Greek.

In culture, this plant has been known since the end of the 19th century, but real popularity came to it after varieties were bred with especially large ones, up to 8 cm in diameter, as well as multi-petal flowers of exquisite color: white, pink, pale blue, often with contrasting venation.

In the conditions of the middle lane platycodon rhizome successfully winters in open ground And slow compared to other perennials, spring awakening: young shoots appear only in the second half of May. friendly bloom falls on mid and late summer.

At present, spectacular varieties of broadbell are cultivated, tall and dwarf. Some of the most popular are listed in the table.

Platycodon seeds

To grow strong, profusely flowering broadbells, you need to purchase high-quality seeds. Proven reputation is enjoyed by such domestic suppliers:

• "SeDek";
• "Aelita";
• "Gavrish";
• "Search";
• "Russian garden".

From platycodons developing in the open field, you can personally collect seeds.

It should be borne in mind: if several varieties are planted nearby, the seeds as a result of cross-pollination are hybrid. To maintain seed grading, wide-bell varieties are planted compactly at a distance from each other. Seed boxes are removed from plants in September, after the pedicels have dried.

Sowing: methods and timing

Platycodon can be sown in open ground before winter, under a layer of soil of 2-3 cm or in spring, with a film coating. The resulting seedlings will form into flowering bushes only in the second or third year. The most reliable way to get flowers this summer is sowing seedlings indoors.

best timing indoor germination of platycodon seeds are March. In open ground, under a film coating - for April.

According to lunar calendar for 2016, the optimal time for sowing Platycodon:

• for seedlings - March 21, 22;
• under the film - April 17-21.

Tanks and soil

For sowing platycodons are prepared containers shallow depth, equipped with holes for drainage. In the future, the containers will need to be covered with polyethylene or glass.

Soil will be needed loose, neutral, moderately fertile, well drained.

ATTENTION: For platycodon seedlings - as well as for adult plants - it is extremely dangerous excess moisture and stagnant water in the soil. The tender stems of these bluebells rot easily.

You can add sand to the universal potting mix, or combine garden soil with peat and sand in equal proportions. Loam, well loosened with a sand additive, is also suitable.

Preparing and planting seeds

In order for seedlings to appear more amicably, the seed material can be stratified - treated with cold, placed for 1-3 months in the lower section of the refrigerator.

Before sowing, seeds in a gauze bag are immersed in water for two days to swell. Then the prepared oval seeds are laid out on the surface of moistened soil and lightly pressed. Some flower growers sprinkle the crop with a very light layer of sand.

The sown container is covered with polyethylene or glass and placed in a bright place with a temperature of 20-22ºС. Daily remove the condensate on the inside of the cover material. Carefully moisten the soil only after its top layer dries. The first shoots appear in one to two weeks.

seedling care

As soon as shoots are formed, the cover is removed and the temperature is reduced to 18-20ºС. Seedlings are watered moderately, and after watering, the top layer of soil is loosened.

Seedlings with 3-4 true leaves are dived in a container with a diameter of 10 cm with a hole in the bottom and a drainage layer, filled with optimal loose soil. In such containers, young plants develop before planting in a permanent place.

Video - Growing platycodon from seeds

Platycodon placement

Showy perennial bluebell compact variety can grow on the windowsill.

In this case, he will need good drainage, light soil, a pot of sufficient volume, bright but diffused lighting and moderate watering with soft water. Container platycodon is transplanted only as needed in winter, when the plant is at rest, protecting the earthen ball as much as possible, since its vulnerable rhizomes are easily damaged.

In open ground the middle lane seedlings of platycodons are planted end of May or beginning of June.

For planting, choose a sunny place with low standing groundwater and loosened, neutral, well-drained soil. Loam loosened with sand is one of the best options for this plant.

IMPORTANT: Subsequent transplantation, due to the fragility of the rhizome, undesirable, especially since platycodon grows and blooms excellently in the same area for more than ten years.

The planting area is pre-dug with fertilizer application: half a glass of wood ash and a tablespoon of complex mineral fertilizer per square meter. You can make these compounds and directly into the wells for planting.

Planting holes, somewhat larger than seedling pots, are placed at intervals of 20-25 cm. Seedlings are well watered beforehand to make it easier to extract the root system and reduce the traumatic effect of the transplant. The seedlings are carefully transferred to the prepared pits, soil is added, it is compacted a little and the new settlers are watered. The soil is covered with a layer of peat chips or humus.

Outdoor care

For two weeks after planting, the plants are watered daily. Then watering is reduced in volume and frequency, limited to moderate moisture every two days, after which the soil is loosened and weeded.

Feed monthly with a mineral complex for flowering plants.

To prevent the stems from stretching, they are pinched, stimulating branching. Bushes that have grown in height are tied to vertical supports. Withered flowers are removed so that new buds form more actively.

Platycodon is not susceptible to diseases and is practically not affected by pests. In case of waterlogging in combination with a thickened planting, a fungal gray rot may appear on the leaves and flowers. In this case, you need to loosen the soil well and reduce watering. Heavily damaged plants should be removed, and the rest should be sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate.

In autumn, the foliage of Platycodon turns bright yellow - the bush again decorates the site. Then the aerial part is cut off and the wintering rhizome is covered with a layer of mulch (peat, fallen leaves, sawdust) of two to three centimeters.

Cuttings and division of the rhizome: an area of ​​\u200b\u200brisk

Vegetative methods of propagation of Platycodon are unsuccessful, however, they ensure the preservation of the variety of the original plant.

Cuttings (for two knots with a heel) are harvested in the spring and the lower sections are treated with charcoal powder. They are buried in moist light soil (peat with sand in equal proportions) and, covered with a film, kept at a temperature of about 20ºС. Regularly ventilate and moderately moisturize. Within a month, the root system is formed. The main danger in this case is the rotting of the stems, which occurs especially easily in Platycodon under conditions of high humidity.

If the rhizome grows in very loose sandy soil, it can be divided with a sharp tool into parts with growth buds. The slices are sprinkled with ash and the delenki are seated. This method of reproduction is also not always successful, since the rhizome of Platycodon hardly tolerates even minor damage.

In any case, the reproduction of Platycodon by sowing seeds for seedlings remains a guaranteed way to grow a spectacular flower garden of exceptionally large bells with five or more petals of the most delicate shades.

Easy to care for and long flowering plants for a novice gardener are indispensable companions. With their help, you can not only learn proper care, but also decorate the area around the house.

Such unpretentious plants include platycodon, the structure of the flowers of which resembles a garden bell. Herbaceous perennial in nature is found in Siberia, northwest China, Korea, Japan and the Far East.

The color of the flowers can be very varied. The most common color of bells is white, blue, pink. However, there are varieties with a lilac color, terry and two-tone with bright veins on the petals.

Thin stems barely reach a height of half a meter. They are inflorescences collected from 3-5 flowers. Undersized varieties are also known, the bushes of which develop no higher than 25 cm. Decorative flowering, which begins in June, lasts about 60-70 days.

Platycodon for cultivation in open ground must definitely choose the right place. Mandatory fertile soils with good water permeability in a sunny or slightly shaded area will be the best option for keeping this perennial crop. Here the perennial will be able to fully develop and have a rich color, characteristic of the variety.

If you place the plant in poor and heavy soil, then it will be less decorative and attractive. It is useful to add coarse-grained sand or fine gravel to the loam. This will prevent stagnant moisture.

The plant “wakes up” late in the spring, and if you don’t see new shoots for a long time, don’t worry, having a good rest, platycodon will delight you with beautiful bushes with abundant flowering in July.

Watering is necessary only as the substrate dries. The plant tolerates drought well. With regular mulching or humus, mineral supplements are not necessary. Otherwise, every 2 weeks, the perennial should be fertilized with a complex liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the flowering period. Top dressing is applied only to pre-watered moist soil.

Growing platycodon from seeds

Seeds are sown for seedlings in early March. No need to sprinkle crops on top of the ground. The soil should be fairly light and loose with good carrying capacity. It is best to prepare the substrate for growing platycodon from seeds yourself. To do this, in equal proportions, you need to mix humus, peat soil and fine gravel or coarse sand. Crops must be placed under glass and placed in a place for lighting. Watering is done as needed. The soil must not be allowed to dry completely. This will greatly complicate the development of small seedlings.

In early June, seedlings can be planted in a permanent place. It is worth noting that the culture does not like transplants and suffers significantly at the same time. Choose a permanent planting site, as the plant does not respond well to transplants. It is for this reason that it does not reproduce by dividing the bush. If sowing in open ground, then this should be done in the fall. Shoots will appear next year at the end of May.
Plants obtained from seeds are able to bloom only in the second season. Some varieties delight with flowering only in the third year of life.

Varieties and types

Among the variety of varietal hybrids, two groups can be distinguished. Low-growing platycodons are used in group plantings, which form a lush flowering carpet. This is the perfect flower for. These include Pure White with white flowers, Pink with pale pink large bells, Blue with dark purple flowers. There are also terry hybrids of undersized species. White flowers of rather large sizes and a strongly branching bush are characteristic of Semi Dabble White. Lavender buds and bright purples are also found in double bell cultivars.

Tall hybrid forms will look great in plantings among rich green needles and. Bright blue large flowers on a bush up to 35 centimeters high are characteristic of the Tsar Bell variety. Unusually large pink flowers with bright veins are characteristic of the Pink Florist variety.