(Platycodon grandiflora)

Jie-Geng, Balloon Flower

A hardy perennial featuring star-like, blue-violet flowers. Plants will bloom all summer long. Jie-Geng is a very beautiful vining plant whose edible root has been used in Korean cuisine and to treat ailments of the lung including bronchitis, laryngitis, pleurisy, chest pain and tonsillitis.

Growing Info: Jie-Geng does well when started inside or in a greenhouse before planting outside. Will grow to about 1 to 3 feet tall in average garden soil with just simple care. This vine plant loves full sun and is quite resistant to cold temperatures. Will bloom and make seed in it's first year.

Standard Uses: The edible roots of this plant have been used in Korean soups for years. It's delightful abundance of blue-violet, star-shaped blooms make it a wonderful ornamental vine that requires very little special care.

Medicinal Uses: Platycodon grandiflora has been traditionally used to treat ailments afflicting the lungs and bronchial tubes. Conditions such as bronchitis, laryngitis, pleurisy, heaviness in the chest and tonsillitis. The edible root can be chopped up fine, put into a tea bag or stainless steel tea ball and steeped for a few minutes in boiled water to make a tea. Honey can be used to improve the taste.