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!
Repotting your balsam plant (Impatiens balsamina) is an important part of keeping it healthy and promoting new growth. Though the process can seem daunting it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the keys to success. In this article we’ll walk through when and how to repot a balsam plant step-by-step so you can help your plant continue to thrive.
When to Repot a Balsam Plant
The best time to repot a balsam plant is in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins actively growing again This gives the plant time to recover from the repotting before it needs to put energy into new growth Repotting during the dormant season also minimizes stress on the plant.
Some signs that your balsam plant is ready for repotting include:
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes – This is a clear indicator that the plant has outgrown its current container.
- Stunted growth – If you notice your plant isn’t growing as vigorously as it once did, being root-bound could be the culprit.
- Toppling over – A top-heavy plant that keeps tipping over likely needs a larger pot to provide more stability.
As long as you repot before new growth emerges in spring, you can’t really repot too early. But waiting until the plant is already growing heavily is stressful.
Choose the Right Pot Size
When selecting a new container, go up just one pot size from the current one. Generally, a 2-inch increase in diameter is ideal. Too large of a jump may result in soggy soil from excess moisture retention. The new pot should allow ample room for another year’s worth of growth, but not be drastically oversized.
Make sure whichever pot you choose has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Balsam plants need well-draining soil and will suffer if left in standing water.
Terra cotta, plastic, ceramic, and wood planters all work well. Match the style to your preferences and the plant’s location. Just ensure the pot is clean before use.
Use Proper Repotting Soil
The right potting mix makes all the difference in how well your repotted balsam plant will grow. Be sure to use a lightweight, well-draining soil specifically formulated for container plants. Normal garden soil is too heavy and dense.
A quality potting mix contains ingredients like:
- Peat or coir – Helps retain moisture but resists compaction.
- Perlite or vermiculite – Lightens the soil texture so water drains well.
- Compost – Adds nutrients and organic matter.
You can make your own mix by combining peat or coir with perlite and compost. Or use a ready-made indoor potting soil. The soil for your balsam plant should feel fluffy and airy, not heavy or soggy.
Step-by-Step Repotting Process
Once you have the proper pot and soil prepared, the repotting process itself is straightforward:
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Fill the new container about 1/3 full with fresh potting mix. Lightly firm it down with your fingers.
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Carefully remove the balsam plant from its old pot. Try to keep the root ball intact. Gently loosen any tangled or compacted roots around the edges.
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Set the plant in the new pot atop the layer of soil. The old soil line should match the new one. Add more fresh mix around the roots to fill in gaps.
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Continue adding potting soil, firming gently, until the pot is nearly full. Leave about 1/2 inch from the pot’s rim.
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Water the newly repotted plant thoroughly. Let excess moisture drain out the holes. This helps settle the soil.
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Top off with remaining soil if needed after watering causes settling. Your plant is ready to enjoy its roomier home!
Be careful not to damage the fragile stem or bloom stalks during the repotting process. Other than that, repotting a balsam plant is very low stress for the plant if done at the right time. Just give it a week or so adjust before resuming normal care.
Caring for a Balsam Plant After Repotting
Proper aftercare ensures your balsam plant recovers quickly from repotting:
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Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Do not overwater.
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Move to a sheltered location away from direct light for 7-10 days.
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Resume normal sunlight exposure and fertilizer schedule after 1-2 weeks.
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Monitor for signs of transplant shock like leaf drop or yellowing.
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Stake tall plants if needed for stability in their new pot.
Be diligent about not overwatering, as damp soil increases the risk of root rot after repotting. Once established again, take care not to let the plant dry out completely either. Find the balance for your specific growing conditions.
Signs of a Successful Repot
When you repot correctly at the optimal time, your balsam plant will quickly reward you with bursts of healthy new growth:
- Bushy, vigorous growth that doesn’t fall over
- Abundant blooms on the flower stalks
- Leaves maintain a deep green color
- Minimal transplant shock
- Establishes rapidly in the new pot
Repotting gives your plant room to grow its roots and access to fresh nutrients. Follow the tips above, and it will be clear your balsam plant is happier in its new home. No more stagnant growth or lackluster flowers. Just beautiful blooms and a healthy, thriving plant.
Common Questions About Repotting Balsam Plants
If this is your first time repotting a balsam plant, these frequently asked questions may help:
How often should you repot a balsam plant?
Most balsam plants need repotting every 2-3 years. Monitor growth and repot as soon as the plant becomes root bound.
Can you reuse old potting soil when repotting plants?
It’s best to use fresh soil to prevent disease carryover. But you can reuse up to 30% of the old soil if needed.
Do balsam plants like to be root bound?
No. Given their fast growth, balsam plants rarely tolerate being severely rootbound for very long. Repot promptly once roots start circling or emerging from drain holes.
Should I trim the roots when repotting a balsam plant?
Usually no trimming is necessary if the roots are healthy. But you can gently loosen or trim any parts that are badly tangled or broken to encourage new growth.
How do I know if I damaged the roots when repotting?
Signs of root damage include wilting, drooping, leaf drop, failure to establish in the new pot, and lack of new growth. Re-inspect the roots and repot again if needed.
Let Your Balsam Plant Thrive
Your balsam plant relies on you to provide it with space to grow via timely repotting. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure the repotting process goes smoothly and your plant is healthier than ever. Pay close attention in the weeks after repotting and you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of a bushy, vibrant balsam plant.
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.