Balloon Flowers, ginseng ,Bell Flower,Grown in China, Korea, Japan, asian Vegetables Balloon flowers

Balloon Flower Seeds 
Grown in China, Korea, Japan and East Siberia for medicinal purposes. The root  dried as well as fresh  is also used in many Asian dishes and salads.
The Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is also known as Chinese Bell Flower or Japanese Bell Flower. In Korea, the root is called “Doraji.”

This perennial is a member of the Campanulaceae family and is known for its large balloon-shaped blossoms typically blue, pink or white. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with organic matter. The culinary and medicinal value of this plant is in the tuberous root, which has long been used as an anti-inflammatory to treat colds throughout Asia. The root is harvested in the second or third year and is considered to offer many of the benefits of ginseng at a lower cost. Doraji is found in a number of Korean dishes and salads, often in recipes that compensate for the root’s bitterness with additional hot pepper.

Balloon Flower plants are very hardy perennials that can withstand periods of drought, and they are rarely bothered by disease or insect problems making them virtually a maintenance-free perennial.
Sow Balloon Flower seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks before last frost, and transplant outside. This flower seed requires sunlight to germinate, so do not cover the flower seed with soil. Just lightly pat them into the soil so good contact is made and water lightly. You can also sow the flower seed directly outdoors after last frost. Platycodon seed is one of the last perennials to come up in the spring.
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4 – 9
Height: 18 inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Blue
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 – 6.8
Planting Directions
Temperature: 65 – 70F
Average Germ Time: 14 – 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Do not cover
Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 10 inches