Toraji Seeds - Balloon Flower
90-120 days to maturity Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. Balloon Flower Toraji Seeds. Non-GMO, Heirloom. Perennial in Zones 3-8. Roots can be harvested after 2-3 years. Balloon Flower can also be grown as an ornamental annual. This beautiful flower is a member of the Campanula family. In July or August, the blossoms open from a balloon shape to a large blue-violet or white 5-pointed star. In the West, it is known only as an ornamental, but this East Asian native has long been grown in China, Korea, Japan, and East Siberia for medicinal purposes. Approx 56,700 seeds / oz.
Toraji Seeds - Balloon Flower - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Campanula, Chinese or Japanese Bell Flower, Toraji, Doraji, bellflower, namul, panchan, or Balloon Flower.
How to Grow Toraji Balloon Flower
Sprinkle the seeds directly on the prepared planting area. Do not cover as seeds require light for germination. If sown indoors, transplant into a sunny or partly shady area with sandy loam soil when about 2" tall. Be careful not to disturb the roots until you want to harvest them because it can cause plant failure. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Fertilize when transplanting and again if the leaves begin to look discolored. Keep the area weed-free. Grow in a container for ornamental pleasure or a grow bag for easy access to the roots.
Harvesting Toraji Balloon Flower
Harvest 1 oz roots after 2-3 years. The individual young leaves can be removed for consumption. The flowers may be carefully clipped off just before full bloom for use in arrangements.
Culinary Tips
The dried or fresh root is used in many Asian dishes. Popular in Korea, it is frequently added to salads, cold soups, vegetable dishes, or simply panfried and enjoyed alone. Toraji is considered a pivotal ingredient in the traditional dish bibimbap. It can also be peeled and pickled with sugar for condiment use.
Stories From Our Gardeners
“It is rare to find fresh toraji root for purchase in the United States. What a treat to grow it yourself; the beautiful ornamental flowers are just a bonus!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 1 g packet - Approximately 2,000 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 14,175 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 56,700 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 226,800 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 907,200 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. |
| Toraji Balloon Flower Color: | Purplish blue or white flowers. Foliage is green with occasional blue tones. |
| Toraji Flavor: | The roots are crunchy with a mild celery-like flavor. The young leaves are often compared to spinach. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 90-120 Days or 2-3 years for root harvest. |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | Surface, uncovered |
| Row Spacing: | 12-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-30’ |
| Growth Habit: | Tender-leafed bush. |
| Soil Preference: | Loamy, well-draining, acidic soil (pH less than 6). |
| Temperature Preference: | 60-80℉ |
Other
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Pests and diseases are rarely an issue for Balloon Flower plants. Due to the preference for moisture, slugs and snails can occasionally become prevalent. Remove them by hand. |