Hairy Balls

Fun, easy to grow, hairy seed pods
Loved by caterpillars and butterflies!
20 seeds per pack

€3,90

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FAST FACTS

Botanical name: Gomphocarpus fruticosus Cottonbush

Common name: Cottonbush, Swan Plant, Milkweed, Wild Cotton, Hairy Balls, Bindweed

Article number: S04400

Days to germinate: 7-14 days

Days to maturity: 90-120 days

Hardiness and longevity: Tender perennial, grown as an annual in cooler climates

Height: 1-2 meters

Spread: 60-90cm

Sunlight: Full sun

DESCRIPTION

Gomphocarpus fruticosus — also known as Cottonbush, Swan Plant, Milkweed, Wild Cotton, Hairy Balls, and Bindweed — is a fascinating and easy-to-grow plant that adds an exotic touch to any garden. Its balloon-like seed pods are green tinged with brown, softly covered in fine bristles, and measure around 5–7 cm long, creating a striking and playful appearance in the garden. The upright, branching stems carry narrow leaves and small clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract butterflies, especially Monarchs, making it both decorative and pollinator-friendly.

This unusual plant adds a touch of fun and texture to borders and mixed plantings, and its distinctive pods are highly valued in cut flower arrangements for their bold and sculptural form. Growing Hairy Balls from seed is simple and rewarding — an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce something unique and full of character.

We ship our high-quality seeds anywhere in Europe.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Sow February to April on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Lightly cover the seed with a sprinkle of fine grade vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 21-23C.

After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; until germination which usually takes 14-21 days. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm pots or trays.

Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 60cm apart. Pinch out the tops of plants after the fourth or fifth leaf stage to encourage the development of side shoots.

Read more frequently asked questions about growing gomphocarpus fruticosus seeds

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

We keep it simple: shipping is a flat-rate €3.75 to any address in the European Union. Orders are packed on the sunny island of Cyprus and handed to the carrier within 1–3 working days. We ship by regular mail with delivery confirmation. As soon as your parcel leaves us, you’ll receive an email with a tracking link so you can follow it in real time. Typical delivery time is 5–15 business days, depending on destination and your local mail service. We currently ship within the EU only.