I always admired the strange flowers in my Grandma’s garden. I swore to my ten-year-old-self that I would grow this one particular flower in my own garden someday, and that is the balloon flower!
And so I did! As soon as I had my own little green space, I decided to plant these lovely plants. They were also a breeze to grow, except for the watering part. I just couldn’t get the hang of it. My flowers were always a bit too dry or too soggy – no in-between!
So naturally, I called my Grandma and asked her for the expert tips on watering balloon flowers. Here’s what she told me:
Give Them A Strong Start With Deep Watering
I’ve grown these flowers from seeds to young plants, and I can assure you they need constant moisture to sprout (therefore, you’ll need to keep an eye on them and water regularly!).
Young plants, much like babies, require a bit more attention initially, as they take their sweet time to settle in. Just like many perennials, these beauties need extra water during their early years.
My grandma said I should give my balloon flowers a strong start by watering them deeply but not too often.
When I say deeply, I mean giving each plant a good 30-second soak to ensure the soil is thoroughly saturated. However, these plants don’t like their roots wet for too long, so make sure you plant them in well-draining soil.
I’ve found that using your finger to check the soil’s moisture level an inch or two below the surface before watering can prevent overwatering and root rot.
They usually need about an inch of water a week, but remember that temperature, wind, and soil composition can change things up!
Do you like balloon flowers because of their shape? If so, then you might also like 10 Star Shaped Flower Varieties For Every Garden
Water Your Flowers In The Morning And Watch Them Thrive
My grandma also mentioned that she always watered her balloon flowers early in the morning. She was always an early bird and I wasn’t, so I always thought that watering at a specific time during the day wouldn’t matter as much… but turns out, it mattered A LOT.
Watering in the morning will lose less water due to evaporation, making your efforts more efficient.
Morning watering is great, but I highly recommend giving your flowers a good drink and not waiting for the “perfect” time if they look parched at midday!
And the last piece of advice my grandma gave me was to mulch my flowers. Mulch is a gardener’s best friend, especially when it comes to keeping your plants hydrated and saving on your water bill. It helps retain moisture, keeps the soil temperature steady, and limits weed growth.
This is crucial for plants like balloon flowers that need consistently moist soil to thrive. Laying down a 2 to 3-inch thick layer of mulch around your plants can make a huge difference during dry months. Just be sure to keep it away from the plants’ crowns to avoid any issues.
In my garden, I’ve found that a good mulch layer not only helps my balloon flowers flourish but also makes the whole garden look neat and tidy. So, get out there, water wisely, and mulch generously for happy, healthy balloon flowers!