Balsam is an annual that is simple to grow. The roughly 1 to 3-inch-wide flowers have a vibrant cup shape. They bloom in the late spring and continue through the first fall frost. The blossoms might be spotted, bicolored, or uniform in colour.
In full sun to partial shade on fertile, porous, well-drained but moist soils, I. balsamina thrives. Balsam tolerates 3–4 hours of direct sunshine nicely. It may grow on various soil types, such as clay, sand, and loamy soils, with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.5. These species do not tolerate frost. It is not tolerant of dry environments well and likes a damp environment. Fertile, well-drained soil is preferred for balsam. It performs best in warm weather and can tolerate moist soil as long as it is not wet.
Garden balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina. It is a perennial flower that blooms on tall stems covered in lance-shaped, light-green leaves with serrated edges. It is an evergreen plant. Garden balsam has tall stems that are scarce and support larger double flowers. The colors of flowers include pink, red, white, and light purple. The plants, which can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches, are strong, upright, and narrow.
Balsam plant, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. This vibrant plant is native to southeast Asia and has been a beloved garden flower for centuries. But beyond its ornamental value, balsam plant has several traditional uses that make it a versatile addition to any garden.
An Overview of Balsam Plant
Balsam plant is an erect annual that grows quickly from seed to reach heights of 1-4 feet. Its stems are succulent and tender, with pointed oval leaves arranged in pairs along the stem. From summer to fall, balsam produces its signature flowers which have a hooded or slipper-like shape. These blooms come in a range of bright colors like pink, red, white, purple and lavender.
Once the flowers fade, the plant develops seed pods that explode open when touched to disperse the seeds. This earned it the nickname ‘touch-me-not’ plant. Balsam is easy to grow in well-drained soil and flourishes in partly shady spots. It also readily self-seeds, so can spread prolifically in ideal growing conditions.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
One of the main traditional uses of balsam plant is as a medicinal herb. All parts of the plant have been used in herbalism but the main medicinal components are the leaves and flowers. Some key medicinal uses include
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Pain relief: Crushed balsam leaves or flowers have been used as a poultice or infused as a tea to provide relief from joint pain or arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Wound care: Balsam extracts are applied topically to help heal cuts, burns and scalds. The mucilaginous extract helps soothe injuries and prevent infections.
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Skin conditions Balsam plant preparations can treat skin inflammations like boils eczema and insect bites when applied topically. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties accelerate healing.
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Labor pains: Consuming balsam flower powder or tea provides strength and endurance for women during labor. It is also given post-childbirth to promote recovery.
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Snakebites: Balsam leaf extracts are used as a remedy for venomous snake bites in some traditional practices. However, effectiveness is unproven.
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Respiratory ailments: Steam inhalation with balsam flowers or leaves helps relieve congestion, coughs and asthma symptoms.
While these traditional uses continue, more research is still needed to conclusively prove efficacy and safety.
Ornamental and Landscaping Uses
With their bright, abundant blooms and easy care requirements, balsam plants are a treasured ornamental flower. Some key uses in landscaping include:
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Borders and beds: Balsam’s upright shape makes it perfect for planting along borders, in mixed flower beds, or filling gaps in the garden.
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Pots and containers: The compact varieties of balsam work well in patio pots and hanging baskets, adding vivid color to decks and balconies.
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Cottage gardens: Balsam’s vintage charm suits informal cottage garden schemes, complementing old-fashioned roses, foxgloves and hollyhocks.
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Cut flowers: The flowers and flower-laden stems can be cut for bright, long-lasting indoor bouquets.
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Pollinator gardens: Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are highly attracted to balsam’s nectar-rich blooms from summer through fall.
Balsam’s self-seeding nature means it can spread unpredictably. So containment measures like stripping off spent flowers may be needed in formal gardens.
Culinary Uses
While not as common, balsam plant does have some culinary uses. The main parts used are the leaves, flowers and seeds. Some examples include:
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Young leaves can be steamed, sauteed or added raw to salads. They have a tender, succulent texture.
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Flowers can be used as a colorful garnish, or added to fruit salads and desserts for visual appeal.
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Seeds can be dried and ground into a flour substitute or thickening agent.
However, not all varieties of balsam may be edible, so proper identification is important before consumption. The plant also contains saponins, which can cause stomach upsets if eaten in excess.
Other Interesting Uses
Beyond traditional medicine and ornamental value, balsam plant has some other unique uses, like:
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The mucilaginous sap can be used as a glue for bookbinding or to fix papers.
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The explosively opening seed pods are used in physics experiments to demonstrate energy transfer.
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A yellow dye can be extracted from the flowers and used for coloring fabrics.
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The tender stems provide fiber for weaving and basketry crafts.
Typical recognizing problem of balsamina
Garden balsam is generally free of pests and illnesses, but it occasionally gets aphids and cucumber beetles, which can be controlled with a horticultural oil like neem oil. I. balsamina is also susceptible to powdery mildew.
Invasiveness and control
A particularly problematic invasive non-native plant in the Lake District, Himalayan Balsam smothers and displaces other native plants along riverbanks and lakeshores in large expanses.
After escaping from farming, Impatiens balsamina has naturalized in disturbed areas and semi-natural habitats, including secondary woodlands and forest boundaries. It can grow into dense stands in the forest’s understory, preventing native plant species from establishing seeds and germination. Both seeds and stem fragments are used for vegetative propagation, which is how they spread. Many tropical and subtropical islands are considered to have been invaded.
Control: Using herbicides like 2,4-D, triclopyr, and glyphosate has been suggested.
Garden Balsam’s meaning is “Impatience” or “Impatient for Love” in the Flower Language. Beautiful perennial or annual makes a great houseplant or summer bedding plant. Early in the summer, yearly plants begin to bloom, but perennial species do not. Perennial species, located in cooler climes, can bloom all year, and annual species start to produce flowers in the early summer. It is a simple plant to grow if given access to rich, organic soil.
Garden balsam exploding seed heads efficiently distribute seeds around the garden, which is the most specific criticism. In addition, garden balsam tends to increase, making it a potentially invasive plant, especially in warmer climates with lengthy growth seasons. Before the seed pods develop, remove the spent blossoms to stop this spread. Balsam plants can improve the appearance of your garden layout. By getting colorful plants, you can enhance the appearance of your house. Buy plants solely from nurseries that carry new plants and gardening supplies like soil, fertilizer, etc.
Is Balsam an indoor plant?
Balsam needs 3-4 hours of direct sunlight. However, it can also survive and bloom in partial shade. To grow it indoors, a south or east-facing location is the most suitable. In fact, it’s highly recommended to keep it indoors during the winters as it cannot tolerate even the slightest of frost.
WHAT ARE USES OF BALSAM PLANT?
FAQ
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