New Guinea impatiens is a fast-growing, clump-shaped tropical plant in the balsam family featuring prolific, showy flowers in an array of colors. New Guinea impatiens is a low-maintenance, high-performance option that blooms from spring, usually until the first frost, preferably in acidic soil. It grows best in partial sun, although it tolerates full sun with afternoon shade. It can also grow in shadier spots, like the shade-loving common inpatients.
New Guinea impatiens is mainly grown as an annual in the U.S., although it is perennial (coming back year after year) in the warmer, moist-climate USDA zones of 10 through 12.
With their colorful, rose-like blooms and lush foliage, balsam plants (Impatiens balsamina) are a beloved annual flower for gardens and containers. Native to Asia and Africa, these tender plants bring vibrant hues of pink, red, white, purple and orange when given proper care Follow this complete guide to successfully grow balsam plants
Optimal Growing Conditions for Balsam Plants
Balsam plants thrive in the following growing conditions
Sunlight
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Balsams prefer partial sun to partial shade. Avoid full sun locations that can burn delicate leaves and blooms.
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Indoors, place balsam plants near an east or west facing window. Filter intense midday sun with sheer curtains.
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Outdoors, choose a spot with 4-6 hours of morning or afternoon sunlight. Dappled shade under trees is ideal.
Soil
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Plant balsams in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They flourish in loamy, fertile soils.
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Before planting, amend clay or sandy soils with several inches of compost or manure. This improves drainage and nutrient retention.
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Maintain a soil pH between 5.8-6.5. Acidic soil benefits balsams. Use an acid fertilizer if needed.
Temperature
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Balsams thrive in daytime temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C). Keep indoor plants 65-75°F (18-24°C).
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They cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In cool climates, delay outdoor planting until nighttime lows stay above 50°F (10°C).
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Protect from cold drafts indoors and provide shade during hot midday sun outdoors. Fluctuating temperatures cause leaf scorch.
Humidity
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Higher humidity levels benefit balsam plants. Ideal indoor humidity is 60-70%.
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Set containers on pebble trays, mist leaves daily and use a humidifier to boost moisture around plants.
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Outdoor humidity from natural rainfall and evaporation is usually sufficient.
Watering Balsam Plants
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
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Water at soil level to avoid drenching leaves and flowers, which invites disease.
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Increase watering frequency during dry periods, high heat, and when plants are flowering. Mature plants need 1-2 inches of water weekly.
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Reduce watering in late fall when plants enter dormancy. Soggy soil during dormancy causes root rot.
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Container plants may need daily watering in hot temperatures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
Fertilizing Balsam Plants
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Follow label rates.
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Alternatively, apply a time-release granular fertilizer at planting time. Scratch lightly into soil surface.
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Avoid over-fertilization which causes leggy, weak growth. Reduce frequency after midsummer.
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Indoors, supplement with a monthly houseplant fertilizer to replenish nutrients.
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Outdoor plants benefit from a light top dressing of compost or manure in midseason. Dig lightly into soil.
Pruning and Deadheading Balsam Plants
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Pinch or trim back leggy shoots anytime to encourage bushier, compact growth.
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Remove spent blooms (deadhead) regularly to prolong flowering into fall. Snip off faded flowers just below the buds.
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Cutting back balsams by one-third in mid to late summer triggers new growth and a second flush of blooms before frost.
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Remove and destroy diseased or insect-infested leaves and stems promptly to prevent spreading.
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In fall when plant dies back, discard spent plants to prevent overwintering diseases.
Growing Balsam Plants From Seed
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For earlier blooms, start seeds 8-10 weeks before last expected spring frost.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in flats or pots using a well-draining starting mix. Keep evenly moist.
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Balsam seeds germinate in 10-14 days at temperatures of 65-70°F (18-21°C).
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Transplant seedlings to the garden when they reach 4 inches tall. Water and fertilize regularly after transplanting.
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Direct sow seeds in prepared garden beds once soil warms to 60°F (16°C). Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
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For continuous blooms, sow small batches of seeds every 4-6 weeks until midsummer. Staggered planting prevents gaps.
Common Pests and Diseases
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Watch for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and mealybugs. Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
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Prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew and root rot with proper watering, spacing and airflow.
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Discard plants severely affected by pests or diseases to prevent spreading. Maintain garden cleanliness.
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Avoid overhead watering which encourages foliar fungal diseases. Water at the base of plants instead.
Tips for Growing Balsam Plants
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For fuller plants, pinch out the central stem when seedlings reach 5-6 inches tall.
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Space plants 10-12 inches apart in garden beds for adequate air circulation.
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Keep flowers picked for continual bloom. Deadhead daily for maximum flowering.
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Grow different balsam varieties together for colorful mixed flower displays. Combine heights and forms.
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Save seeds from favorite plants to grow identical cultivars the following year. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
With proper care, balsam plants will reward you with nonstop flowers from early summer until fall. Their versatility in beds, borders and containers makes them a stellar addition to gardens of all sizes. Just provide balsams with rich soil, ample moisture and protection from hot sun for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balsam Plant Care
How much sun do balsam plants need?
Balsams need 4-6 hours of sun daily, either morning or afternoon sun. They thrive in partial sun or light shade locations. Afternoon shade is ideal to protect flowers from heat.
What type of soil is best for balsam plants?
Rich, fertile, well-draining loamy soil amended with organic matter provides ideal growing conditions. The soil should hold moisture but drain readily after watering.
When should I start balsam seeds indoors?
For earlier blooms, start balsam seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your expected last spring frost date. Sow each batch of seeds successively every 2-3 weeks for continuous flowers.
How far apart should I space balsam plants?
Space balsam plants 10-12 inches apart in garden beds and borders. Wider spacing prevents overcrowding and allows air circulation to prevent diseases.
How often should I water balsam plants?
Water balsams deeply whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. During hot weather or in containers, plants may need daily watering. Always water at soil level, not from overhead.
When should I fertilize my balsam plants?
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer or time-release granular product. Reduce feeding in midsummer as plants enter dormancy.
How can I get more flowers on my balsam plants?
Regular deadheading, pinching back leggy stems, and cutting plants back by 1/3 midseason will generate more blooms. Staggered seed sowing also extends flowering duration.
What causes leaf spots on balsam plants?
Leaf spots are usually caused by fungal diseases like anthracnose or bacterial leaf spot. Avoid overhead watering, allow for air circulation between plants, and promptly remove diseased foliage.
When do I harvest balsam seeds?
Allow seed pods to fully mature and dry on the plant after flowering finishes. Collect dry pods before they burst open. Store in a cool, dry place to plant next year.
How do I overwinter balsam plants?
Balsams are tender annuals that cannot withstand freezing temperatures. They do not survive winter outdoors. Collect seeds in fall to start new plants the following spring.
By following these tips on choosing the right site conditions, watering correctly, fertilizing, pruning, pest control and harvesting seeds, you can successfully grow bountiful balsam plants. Their colorful blooms and fragrant foliage make them a delight in any garden.
Fertilizer
Since New Guinea impatiens bloom all season long, they benefit from supplemental fertilizer. Give your flowers a dose of your favorite, balanced, water-soluble food for blooming flowers every three to four weeks. For the best results, reduce the regular dose by half and feed every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. Plants exhibit the best growth with feedings spread out with more frequency at half strength. You can also mix in some compost upon planting or early and late in the season when grown as perennials.
How Long Do New Guinea Impatiens Bloom?
Blooms typically last from spring to the first frost. Since New Guinea impatiens are only perennials in zones 10 through 12, bring the plants indoors to keep them alive in the winter by placing them in a bright window or providing supplemental grow lighting. As long as they get water, fertilizer, and ample light, they will likely rebloom once relocated outdoors when the threat of frost passes.