This striking blue perennial flower has a rich history that offers much more than meets the eye. Named for their unique blooming pattern, the buds expand like an inflated balloon until they burst open into a gorgeous blue star. Two-foot-tall plants will set off tons of explosive little blooms late into the season, when many other flowers are spent. An ancient medicinal plant native to Asia, it was introduced to the west by Robert Fortune, who is famously remembered as a tea thief from England. Fortune donned a disguise to enter China in the 1800s in order to steal tea plants for the British government. Balloon flower roots are appreciated for having antimicrobial, antibacterial, and other medicinal qualities. The roots are used in Asian food, and are especially popular in Korea and China. (Note: The roots are edible, but please do not eat the leaves or flowers!) 6-8 hours of Sun Sprouts in 10-30 Days Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F Seed Depth: Surface Sow Plant Spacing: 12-18" Frost Hardy: Yes Platycodon grandiflorus