The Ballon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is suitable for sunny to semi-shady locations.
The soil should be well-drained and can be enriched with some compost and mineral components such as sand or fine gravel.
When Platycodon grandiflorus is growing or flowering, keep the soil moist but not wet. How often you need to water depends on your location. The soil will drain more quickly in full sun than in partial shade. When temperatures are above 77 °F (25 °C), I water my beds every 2 to 3 days.
I use pond water as fertilizer. A little compost can be added to the soil in the spring.
Platycodon grandiflorus is hardy in zones 4 to 8 and appears very late in spring.
Pests and Diseases
The balloon flower does not seem to be very susceptible to diseases and pests. I did not see any aphids, beetles or snails* on it. This also applies to powdery mildew and other fungal plant diseases.
Thrips live on some of my plants, but they don’t breed in large numbers and don’t do any significant damage.
* This information refers to snails native to Central Europe.