Platycodon cultivation methods and precautions

How to cultivate Platycodon grandiflorum

Choice of potting soil

Platycodon grows in acidic soil. The soil for potted plants can be 4 parts sandy loam, 4 parts leaf mold, and 2 parts garden soil. You can add some bean cake powder as base fertilizer to help the flowers grow better.

Sowing time

Platycodon has relatively low climate requirements and can tolerate both heat and cold. It is sown from April to September in the south and a little later in the north. According to planting experience, it is better to sow in April because the seedlings are larger and more suitable for wintering. After sowing, cover with about 1 cm of soil and control the temperature between 15~20 ℃. Seedlings will emerge in 15~20 days.

Control water and fertilizer

Water and fertilizer are extremely important for plant growth. If water and fertilizer are not properly controlled, it will easily cause the plants to grow too tall and reduce their ornamental value. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm, water should be controlled appropriately. In spring and autumn, water the plants once every 3 to 4 days. In summer, water the plants once every day around 5 pm, and do not water them in winter.

The key point of fertilizing Platycodon is before and after flowering. Apply superphosphate fertilizer 1 to 2 times a year before flowering to ensure bright color of the flowers. Provide appropriate shade after flowering to prolong the flowering period. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stems in time and apply bean cake liquid fertilizer to promote root growth.

Weeding and loosening the soil

Platycodon is a herbaceous plant, and many small weeds will grow around it. These small weeds must be removed in time to avoid competing with Platycodon for nutrients. When the seedlings grow to 4 leaves, remove the weak seedlings and loosen the soil in time to ensure sufficient nutrients in the soil.

Things to note when growing Platycodon grandiflorum

Replace the potting soil in time

Do not water the Platycodon grandiflorum 1 to 2 days before repotting, as this will help the soil in the pot to separate from the pot wall. When repotting, take the plant out of the pot, shake off 20% to 50% of the old soil at the roots, cut off the dead and rotten roots, add a small amount of aloe vera residue to the bottom of the new pot, place the shoveled soil in the center of the pot, and finally fill the pot with new soil.

Keep the temperature under control

Before and after flowering, appropriate shade should be provided to prolong the flowering period. After the flowers fade, cut off the above-ground parts before winter to reduce nutrient consumption, and place them in a sunny location with slightly warm flower stems. Try not to let the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum get frostbitten. The old roots will continue to sprout new branches next year.