• Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers with fuzzy, rounded seed pods showcasing their unique texture.
  • Close-up of hairy Milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy buds and delicate petals showcasing natural bloom details.
  • Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers showing fuzzy seed pods with green and white hues.
  • Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed flowers showing soft, spiky seed pods with fuzzy texture, vibrant green color, and intricate details.
  • Close-up of hairy Milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy buds and vibrant green foliage.
  • Close-up of hairy milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy textures and vibrant green foliage in the background.
  • Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers with fluffy, spiny seed pods featuring soft, hairy textures.
  • Close-up of hairy milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy seed pods, showcasing their unique texture and natural beauty.
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Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus)

Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Conventionally Grown

Fascinating seed pods that can be used for cutting.

Also known as Gomphocarpus, Hairy Balls, Swan Milkweed, and Balloon Plant, this unusual ornamental is grown for its large, papery, balloon-like seed pods that can be used fresh or dried in arrangements. The plants are tall and willowy with thin, oleander-like leaves and small clusters of delicate white flowers with pale-purple centers. While the flowers are pollinated primarily by wasps, the foliage is a good food source for monarch caterpillars. Its prodigious spheres are real conversation starters!

Gomphocarpus is a perennial in zones 8-11 but is grown as an annual elsewhere. Use caution when harvesting: this plant's milky sap can be irritating to the skin of some sensitive individuals.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
50 Seeds $5.39
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150 Seeds $9.79
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Growing instructions
Cold stratification required: sow 9 weeks before last frost in deep seed-starting pots about ¼"" deep, cover and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Afterwards, move to a 70-degree, well-lit spot for germination, which can take up to 21 days. Harden off and transplant outdoors after frost. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Some support may be needed for these tall, willowy plants.
Product Details
Days to Maturity 120 days
Days to Germination 14-21
Width at Maturity 36"
Height at Maturity 72"
Hardiness Zone Range Annual
Sun Conditions Full Sun (8+ Hours Sun)
Planting Depth 1/4"
Row Spacing 24"
Plant Spacing 18"
    Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers with fuzzy, rounded seed pods showcasing their unique texture.
    Close-up of hairy Milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy buds and delicate petals showcasing natural bloom details.
    Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers showing fuzzy seed pods with green and white hues.
    Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed flowers showing soft, spiky seed pods with fuzzy texture, vibrant green color, and intricate details.
    Close-up of hairy Milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy buds and vibrant green foliage.
    Close-up of hairy milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy textures and vibrant green foliage in the background.
    Close-up of Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus) flowers with fluffy, spiny seed pods featuring soft, hairy textures.
    Close-up of hairy milkweed flowers (Gomphocarpus) with soft, fuzzy seed pods, showcasing their unique texture and natural beauty.
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    D
    Diana F.

    Very easy to sprout the hairy balls seeds in small pots outside zone 8b in September. . Large amount of die off/damping off when seedlings were 2 inches tall in October. Now I have 3 seedlings left surviving but they have stopped growing. Getting cool. Maybe better to try to sprout in the late spring in z 8b. Will try to over winter the remaining sprouts inside.

    Hello Diana,
    Thank you so much for your being a customer of ours! We are so sorry to hear that your Gomphocarpus did not do well. These plants do best when they are started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and then transplanted when the soil warms. It is a great idea to overwinter them inside for your next growing season. We will reach out to you directly to further remedy this growth issue.