An unusual and highly decorative cut flower grown for its masses of inflated, striped green seedpods. Silene conica ‘Balletje-Balletje’ adds wonderful texture and movement to garden borders and floral arrangements, with strong stems that can be harvested for both fresh and dried designs. Easy to grow and best direct sown, it is a brilliant choice for flower arrangers looking for something genuinely different.
 
When to Sow: Mar–Jun
 
HOW TO SOW:
Sow Indoors – Sow from March to April into moist, free-draining seed compost. Press the seeds onto the surface and cover very lightly with fine compost or vermiculite, as light aids germination. Keep at approximately 18–21°C until germination. Transplant seedlings carefully into individual pots and grow on in bright, cooler conditions. Harden off gradually before planting outside after all danger of frost has passed.
 
Sow Direct – Sow from April to June into finely prepared, well-drained soil where the plants are to flower. Sow thinly, cover very lightly and keep moist during germination. The young seedlings can resemble grass, so mark the rows clearly and weed carefully. Thin seedlings to their final spacing.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 2–3 Weeks
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Light, sandy or well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well-drained
 
Care: Water during prolonged dry Times, but avoid waterlogged soil. For longer stems, apply a nitrogen-rich feed approximately two weeks before the anticipated harvest. Support plants if grown in an exposed position.
Use: Cut Flower Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Borders, Fresh Arrangements, Dried Flowers
Harvesting: Cut once the distinctive inflated seedpods are fully formed but before they begin to split. Remove the lower foliage and place stems immediately into clean water. For drying, hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dry and well-ventilated place.
 
Days to Maturity: 110–120 Days
Flowering: June–August
Vase Life: Everlasting
Height: 50–60 cm
Plant Spacing: 20 cm