Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje' – decorative cut flower with inflated seed pods

Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje' is a unique and versatile annual plant that proves valuable both in the garden and for cut flower production. This cultivar is known for its massive, small, inflated green seed pods, which create a playful and airy effect in borders, rock gardens, pots, and flower arrangements. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and flower growers looking to add a striking, low-maintenance accent.

Characteristics of Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje'

• Flowers and seed pods: The plant develops small, inflated green seed pods that occur in abundance and provide a decorative effect, both fresh and dried.

• Leaf: narrow and light green, forms a beautiful contrast with the seed pods

• Height: 20–30 cm, perfect for low borders, pots and vases

• Growth habit: compact, bushy and slightly spreading

• Location: full sun to light shade; well-drained soil

These properties make Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje' both an ornamental border plant and a valuable cut flower for indoor and outdoor use.

Benefits of Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje'

1. Massive seed pods – provide a unique visual effect and are suitable for fresh and dried use

2. Low maintenance – grows easily and requires little care

3. Compact and versatile – suitable for borders, pots and flower arrangements

4. Suitable for cut flowers – ideal for indoor and outdoor production

5. Direct sowing – easy and quick results in the garden or cultivation

Thanks to its compact growth and striking seed pods, this plant makes a decorative and multifunctional accent.

Use as cut flower

Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje' is excellent for cut flower production:

• Fresh or dried: the inflated seed pods are attractive in fresh bouquets and remain decorative when dried

• Harvest advice: Harvest when the seed pods are fully formed, just before they begin to change color.

• Fertilization for stem growth: two weeks before harvest, provide extra nitrogen (N) to stimulate stem growth and obtain longer, stronger stems

• Combinations: can be combined with other annual cut flowers, ornamental grasses or dried flowers for a playful effect.

Its use as a cut flower makes this cultivar multifunctional and valuable for both professional and hobby growers.

Sowing and care

• Sowing method: preferably sow directly in the garden or growing beds

• Soil: well-drained, lightly nutritious; avoid wet clay soil

• Sunlight: Full sun for optimal growth and seed pod development

• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods; once established the plant is fairly drought tolerant

• Maintenance: Faded flowers and withered leaves can be removed to keep the plant tidy.

With this care, Silene conica 'Balletje-Balletje' will quickly develop a massive harvest of inflated seed pods, suitable for garden and cut flower production.

Application in garden and flower arrangements

• Borders and rock gardens – airy structure and decorative seed pods

• Pots and containers – easy to maintain and visually attractive

• Cut flower production – fresh or dried, indoors or outdoors

• Combinations – can be beautifully combined with other annual flowers, ornamental grasses or dried flowers

The result is a playful, airy and decorative effect, both in the garden and in flower arrangements.