How to Use Balsam Plants in Containers

With their colorful, abundant blooms, balsam plants are prized additions to container gardens. Also known as lady’s slipper, balsam is an old-fashioned annual that thrives with minimal care. This beginner-friendly plant is a great choice for adding vibrant flowers to porches, patios, and small urban spaces.

Follow these tips for successfully growing balsam plants in pots and planters:

Choose the Right Container

Balsam plants grow 1-2 feet tall and prefer to be slightly rootbound. Select containers that are 8-12 inches wide for each plant. Shallow pots work better than deep containers. Make sure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Terra cotta, plastic, wood, concrete, and ceramic planters all work well for balsam. Match your container to the site’s décor and conditions. Add saucers under pots to protect surfaces from overflow.

Use Quality Potting Mix

Balsam plants need moist but well-draining soil. A good quality potting mix blends peat moss compost perlite or vermiculite. This creates air pockets and drainage. Regular garden soil is too heavy.

Avoid blends with added fertilizer as it can burn tender balsam roots. Add a slow-release fertilizer after planting if needed. Sterilized potting mixes prevent soil-borne diseases

Plant for Continuous Bloom

For nonstop color, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until early summer. Staggering plants ensures new blooms as earlier plantings fade. Cluster 3-5 plants together in larger containers for fuller effect.

Space plants 8-12 inches apart in beds and borders. Let the previous year’s flowers go to seed and new balsam seedlings will sprout on their own the following spring.

Water Thoroughly After Planting

Newly planted balsam require frequent watering to establish roots. Water container plantings daily or whenever soil is partly dry. Apply enough water to thoroughly saturate the potting mix.

Avoid shallow watering which keeps roots near the dry surface. As plants grow, reduce watering frequency to 2-3 times per week. Mature plants are moderately drought tolerant.

Provide Even Moisture

Established balsam plants need a constant supply of moisture. Allowing pots to completely dry out stresses plants, causing yellow leaves, aborted buds and lower blooms.

Check soil moisture by plunging your finger into the pot. Water containers whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Heat and wind dry pots faster than shaded beds, so adjust watering accordingly.

Give Plants a Nutrient Boost

While balsam isn’t a heavy feeder, supplemental fertilizer ensures strong growth and maximum flowers. Use a water-soluble, balanced flower fertilizer every 2-3 weeks from planting until buds appear.

Mix according to label rates to avoid burning tender roots and foliage. Supplement with compost tea or fish emulsion for added nutrients. Reduce feeding as plants finish blooming.

Provide Support for Top-Heavy Plants

Left unsupported, potted balsam plants tend to flop over from the weight of abundant flowers and foliage. Install stakes at planting to support mature plants.

Use slender plant stakes or small tomato cages in each container. Tie main stems loosely to supports using soft plant ties or twine. Take care not to bind stems tightly.

Grow in Sunny Sites

For the best growth and blooms, situate balsam containers where they will receive full sunlight. At least 6 hours of direct sun is ideal. Dappled shade also works well.

Avoid planting balsam in deep shade which causes sparse, weak foliage and fewer flowers. If needed, move pots to sunnier sites as plants grow. Morning sun is especially important.

Give Shelter from Wind

Balsam’s tender stems and flowers are easily damaged by strong winds. Place containers in protected courtyards, along building foundations or behind shrubs and trellises.

Staking provides extra support against wind damage. Miniature and double-flowered varieties need the most protection. Containers can be moved to sheltered areas if storms approach.

Remove Spent Blooms

For continuous flowering, regularly deadhead faded blooms. Using pruners or your fingers, snip off old flowers just below the spent bloom. Avoid cutting into green foliage which can damage the plant.

Deadheading directs the plant’s energy into forming new flower buds instead of setting seeds. It also keeps plants looking tidy. Periodically cut back leggy growth to encourage branching.

Monitor for Common Pests

Aphids, whiteflies and thrips sometimes plague balsam plantings. Scout regularly for clusters of insects on stems and undersides of leaves. Use a strong spray of water to dislodge pests.

Insecticidal soap, neem oil or narrow range oils applied weekly can help control infestations. Remove and destroy seriously infested plants to keep pests from spreading.

Enjoy as Cut Flowers

Balsam blooms make cheerful cut flowers. Their wide color range adds pops of color to arrangements and bouquets. Cut stems in the morning after dew dries, using sharp pruners or scissors.

Remove leaves that would sit below the waterline as these decay quickly. Place in water immediately and change water every 2-3 days. Individual flowers last up to 10 days in arrangements.

With a little care and optimal growing conditions, balsam plants will thrive in containers, rewarding you with continuous color. Simple maintenance like watering, fertilizing, staking and deadheading keeps plants looking their best.