Love-In-A-Puff is a strange looking, funny and fast growing climbing plant. Love-In-A-Puff blooms with very small white flowers. The most striking thing about this plant is the large, balloon-like fruits that surround and protect the seeds. The small white flowers of the Love-In-A-Puff are very inconspicuous. But the balloon-shaped bags that contain the seeds are not. They are very noticeable and are also the namesake of this plant. It is also called Balloon Plant and Lesser Balloon Vine. The seed bags contain pea-like seeds with a white spot in the shape of a heart on them. This also explains the English name of Love-In-A-Puff. Furthermore, the stems of this plant are very thin and fragile and they can grow very long. This climbing plant can grow up to 200 - 300 cm high. Love-In-A-Puff is a member of the Soap tree family (Sapindaceae) just like: Aki, Longan, Chinese Varnish tree, Knippa, Rambutan, Korlan, Soapnut tree, Pitomba, Lychee, Kapoelasan and Guarana. This is a family that includes many different woody plants such as trees, lianas and climbers.
This fast-growing climbing plant is native to Africa, Australia, South Africa and North America where it grows in subtropical and tropical areas. In those areas it grows as an invasive weed along rivers and roads. In four states in North America (Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina and Texas) the plant is classified as a noxious weed and may not be sold. In Australia in the state of New South Wales it is also classified as a noxious weed. Because Love-In-A-Puff grows very quickly, it can easily overgrow weaker plants. It can also be used as a ground cover, but is usually simply grown as a climbing plant. Despite the fact that the Love-In-A-Puff is a perennial, it is usually grown as an annual in our climate (the Netherlands and Belgium). It isn't hardy. The medicinal properties of this plant include: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative, analgesic, anti-itching and for reducing swelling. It is also used against rheumatism, eczema and nervous diseases. It is used in homeopathy in a diluted form in the treatment of sun blisters, allergic reactions and eczema. The leaf is used against the absence of menstruation. In addition, the plant also contains natural soap substances. It is also used as a substitute for soap. The balloons are used for this. This plant is also often used as a filler in cut bouquets and it can also be dried. The attractive, striking and beautiful balloons are especially used for this. Despite the small, inconspicuous white flowers, this plant is still very attractive to bees. Non hardy perennial. Height: 250 - 300 cm.
Pre-Soaking: 24 hours
Indoor sowing: March - May
Outdoor sowing: May - July
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 24 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 2 cm
Planting distance: 20 - 30 cm
Plant position: sun - half shaded
Flowering period: July - October
Harvesting period: August - October
To facilitate the germination of the seeds and to shorten the germination time, the seeds can be soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. After this, the seeds can be sown indoors from March on. Sow the seeds in separate pots in well-moistened potting soil. Sow the seeds 1 - 2 cm deep and cover the seeds with a layer of potting soil. Love-In-A-Puff is a dark germinator. If necessary, place the pots in a propagator to maintain a higher temperature. It is also easier to achieve a constant temperature in a propagator. The germination temperature must be at least 20 C°, because less is pointless. Warmer ensures faster germination. Keep warm and light. Ensure the temperature is as even as possible and don't let the temperature drop, especially at night.
Remove the lid as soon as the seedlings emerge. Now put the pots away a little cooler (18 °C). From the beginning of May, as soon as there is no longer a chance of night frost, the young plants can be put outside to harden off. Harden them off during the day for 10 - 14 days. It is also possible to put the young plants in the cold frame. After this, the plants can be put in a sunny spot with possibly some shade and well-draining soil. Give them a firm support. Keep well moist and weed-free. Keep the plants 20 - 30 cm apart.
Sow outdoors from May, as soon as there is no longer any chance of night frost. Sow deeply and thinly in a sunny spot with partial shade if necessary and well-drained soil. Provide sturdy support for this fast-growing climber. Thin the seedlings out to 20 - 30 cm as soon as they are large enough to handle. Keep moist and weed-free. Love-In-A-Puff needs a lot of water and should never be allowed to dry out. Love-In-A-Puff can also be easily grown in large pots and flower boxes. These plants need extra water.
