Are you looking to add a burst of color to your garden? Annual balsam flowers are a great choice. Impatiens balsamina is also known as Garden Balsam, Rose Balsam, and Touch-Me-Not. These vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to grow from seed. This blog post will guide you through the steps to successfully grow annual balsam flowers in your garden. Lets get started!
Balsam plants are known for their vibrant, colorful blooms that can instantly brighten up any indoor or outdoor space. With their tropical foliage and flowers that come in shades of pink, red, purple and white, it’s no wonder balsams are a popular choice for gardens, patios and interior plantscapes.
When selecting a balsam for your home or garden, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the plant and how it will fit into your existing space. Balsam plants come in a range of sizes, from petite 6-inch container varieties to large 3-foot tall garden plants.
Choosing the right size balsam for your needs depends on a few key considerations
Evaluate Your Space
Take measurements of the area where you want to place your balsam plant. Make note of the overall dimensions, ceiling height, and any architectural elements that could impact the scale and placement of your plant. A large, bushy balsam may overwhelm a small space, while a tiny plant could get lost in a big, open area.
Also, look at the size of your existing furniture, planters and other decor. You’ll want your new balsam to complement, not clash with, these existing design elements.
Consider Your Usage
Think about how you plan to use and enjoy your balsam plant. Are you looking for a small pop of color for a tabletop or desktop? Opt for a compact 6-12 inch container balsam. Hoping to make a big, bold statement in an outdoor garden bed or expansive indoor landscape? Go for a larger 18-30 inch balsam for maximum visual impact.
For indoor use, make sure to choose a balsam variety suitable for growing indoors, as some larger garden varieties won’t thrive long-term inside.
Factor in Maintenance
Larger balsam plants need more intensive care and pruning to look their best. Petite varieties are lower maintenance and great for beginners.
Also consider your climate. In cold climates, you may need to overwinter potted balsams indoors, so a smaller plant will be easier to transport and accommodate.
Examples of Balsam Sizes
Compact Balsams (6-12 inches)
- Perfect for tabletops, desktops and shelves
- Low maintenance, ideal for beginners
- Offer a petite pop of color and texture
Mid-Size Balsams (12-18 inches)
- Great for floor plant stands, larger tables
- Make a statement without dominating a space
- Can be pruned and trained into shapely forms
Large Balsams (18-30 inches)
- Maximize visual impact in gardens and landscapes
- Create a bold, vibrant focal point
- Require more care including staking and pruning
- Best for outdoor use or very large indoor spaces
Tips for Choosing Plant Size
- Consider the full mature size, not just current size
- Allow room for growth – don’t cram a large variety into a small space
- Keep proportional scale in mind for visual harmony
- Match the plant’s water and light needs to the environment
- Overwintering may limit indoor size options in cold climates
Caring for Your Balsam
Once you’ve selected the ideal balsam plant size for your space, be sure to care for it properly to maintain its form and promote lush blooms.
Balsams thrive in bright filtered sunlight indoors or full sun outdoors. Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth.
Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites. Prune back overgrown, leggy stems and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
With the right balsam variety, proper care, and a well-suited spot in your home or garden, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of these tropical annuals for months on end. Paying attention to size will ensure your plant reaches its full potential and fits perfectly into your personal oasis.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/balsam-flowers-for-heirloom-garden-131569503-9789fb38c40d4d4bb0d7b5e3ea09bd10.jpg)
Which Type of Impatiens Balsam?
There is a difference between Impatiens balsamina and Impatiens walleriana. Annual balsam flowers (Impatiens balsamina) are cup-shaped, unlike other varieties of impatiens. The thick stems are soft with long sawtoothed leaves that can hide the colorful blooms.
The name itself gives some interesting clues about the flower. “Impatiens” and “Touch-Me-Not” both refer to the seed pods. Once the flowers are spent, they develop seed pods. These “impatient” pods are ready to burst and fling their seeds wherever they can. Be careful touching them once they have dried. Even the wind has enough friction to cause the seed pods to burst open. So, “touch-me-not” unless you want to release the seeds.
Pollinators love the colorful cup-shaped balsam flowers. Bees and butterflies will enjoy visiting your balsam plants. Add it to your cottage garden or as a focal flower in a container garden.
Tom Thumb mix is a beautiful heirloom impatiens variety. Its small size is perfect for borders and containers.
KNOW How To Grow BALSAM From Seed With All CARE Tips [A-Z Info]
FAQ
How big do balsam plants get?
|
Genus Name
|
Impatiens balsamina
|
|
Height
|
1 to 3 feet
|
|
Width
|
6 to 12 inches
|
|
Flower Color
|
Pink, Purple, Red, White
|
|
Foliage Color
|
Blue/Green
|
Does balsam like sun or shade?
What is a balsam plant good for?
How tall does balsam grow?
Balsam grows as an annual plant in USDA zones 3 – 10 and reaches a height of 12 – 18 inches. The foliage is also attractive making Balsam a perfect flower for any garden. Balsam flower seed germinates quickly and the plant grows rapidly, blooming when it is just 3 to 4 inches tall.
How far apart should balsam be planted?
Balsam also prefers rich but well-drained soil. The plants should be spaced around 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth. If the plants will be trained to be bushy, a spacing of about 2 feet is recommended. During dry periods, they should be watered 1-2 times per week.
How much sun does a balsam tree need?
Balsam flowers prefer partial to full sun. In hot areas, it is important to shade the plant from afternoon sun. Balsam also prefers rich but well-drained soil. The plants should be spaced around 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth. If the plants will be trained to be bushy, a spacing of about 2 feet is recommended.
How many seeds do you need to grow a balsam plant?
Sow 4 – 5 seeds per plant to begin growing your balsam plants today. This lovely heirloom attracts bees, birds, & butterflies. If you want to grow Touch-me-not flowers indoors, make sure the pots have drainage holes at the bottom.