Love-in-a-puff is a charming heirloom annual climber that produces delicate, papery seed pods resembling tiny inflated hearts, a whimsical detail that's earned it its affectionate common name. Growing 10 to 12 feet tall on support, this deer-resistant plant blooms reliably from summer through fall with small, unassuming flowers that give way to those distinctive balloon-like fruits. Thriving in full sun and reaching harvest maturity in 98 to 112 days from seed to bloom, it's a vigorous grower that rewards consistent moisture with abundant foliage and fascinating seed development.
1
Full Sun
High
7-7
144in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The papery, heart-shaped seed pods are the real draw here, offering a botanical curiosity that delights gardeners and children alike. This vine climbs vigorously in warm weather, producing continuous blooms from June through November in the right conditions. The heirloom pedigree means these seeds have been treasured and passed along through generations of gardeners, each saving them for the unique appeal of those distinctive fruits rather than showy flowers.
Love-in-a-puff is primarily grown as an ornamental climbing plant, valued for its unusual seed pods rather than any culinary application. The distinctive inflated capsules are popular in dried flower arrangements and with seed savers who enjoy harvesting and replanting the seeds year after year. Children and gardeners often cultivate it simply for the tactile pleasure of popping the papery pods.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors in containers 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Use sterile germinating mix and maintain soil temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds typically emerge in 7 to 20 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost has passed, when soil has warmed.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last spring frost date, when soil temperatures have warmed.
Harvest seed pods once they've developed their distinctive papery, balloon-like appearance and have begun to dry on the vine. Allow pods to mature fully before collecting them; you'll know they're ready when they feel light and papery to the touch. Store dried pods in a cool, dry place and extract seeds for saving or replanting the following season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.