Cardiospermum halicacabum doesn't sound like a whimsical
plant does it? Until you find out two of it's common names:
Love-in-a-Puff and Heartseed. This fast growing vine will
reach up to 10 foot in one season, and it's tendrils will cling
to wooden or iron trellises. The foliage is rather ferny in
appearance, and it's not really grown for it's teeny white
blooms, but rather the unique seed pods that are formed later.
Each seed pods is a three-sided green balloon that turns brown
and stays inflated! When squeezed, it "pops" and you'll find 3
charming seeds inside, each having a perfect white heart at the
place where it was attached to the pod. This makes collecting
the seed pods a joy! Kids love to collect the pods and open
each one to remove the seeds. Wondering each time: Will it
have 3 seeds? Will they all really have hearts? Is there a fairy
inside painting the hearts on the seed?
Love-in-a-Puff seeds can be direct seeded in the spring after
the last frost, or it can be started inside about 8 weeks before
the frosts end. It's an annual in all areas except those in 9 and
10--where the vine can be a vigorous pest IF left to it's own
to reseed with no control. Plant in full sun and a good soil
that will.
The balloon vine (as it's also called) will flower in midsummer
and the seeds will be ripen in the fall. The seeds are small and
dark black with the white heart markings. If some capsules are
left on the plant it will make a lovely winter accent and it will
reseed. You can also collect the seeds to save and plant in the
spring.
Love-in-a-Puff will bring a little whimsy and wonder to our yards
and gardens plus it will encourage the imaginations of little and
big people alike.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of Old Fashioned Living.com.
Flower Seed Resources:
-Thompson&Morgan Seeds
--Nature Hills Nursery
-Park Seed
-Monticello Garden Shop
