Growing Mixed Balloon Flowers?

Q: I am growing mixed balloon flowers for the first time, I'm surprised at their height and the way some of them droop. Is it necessary to make supports for them, and at what time in their growth should I do that? What could I use to create the supports with items I have at home already? Would stakes and string be ok, or should each have it's own supports.

Thanks,
Joan in CT

A: Joan,

Some of the taller balloon flowers (as tall as 30") will definitely need staking unless you are okay with droopy flowers. Large blooms add a lot of extra weight to the stems and especially after it rains, you can expect them to fall over. Any type of knee-height supports will work fine. You can get away with sticks and string or you might want to consider using some left over tomato cages or a similar heavy-gauge support that the plants can grow through. You can try dowel rods, the turn wands from old window blinds or wooden paint stirrers (tape them together). There is no right time to stake balloon flowers, but if you're using tomato or other grow through cages, you'll find it easier to corral and train the plants while they are young rather than risk damaging adult plants while trying to fit them through the support rings.