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.
With their bright, abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, balsam plants (Impatiens balsamina) are a cottager’s dream. These fragrant, old-fashioned annuals can transform a garden bed or containers with vibrant floral color in just weeks. But exactly how fast does balsam grow? Let’s take a closer look at the growth rate of this quick-blooming favorite.
An Overview of Balsam’s Growth Habit
While “impatiens” in the botanical name hints at explosively fast growth, balsam is not quite that dramatic However, it is indeed one of the quicker-growing annual flowers you can grow.
Some key traits related to balsam’s growth rate include
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Germinates in 7-14 days from seed sowing.
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Reaches mature height of 1-3 feet within just a few weeks.
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Starts blooming prolifically about 60-70 days from seeding.
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Flowers continuously through frost with deadheading.
So while impatient gardeners will still need to wait a couple months for balsam to reach full size and begin blooming, it’s on the faster side for flowering annuals. Proper care makes all the difference in achieving its maximum growth potential.
Growing Conditions for Fast-Growing Balsam
Balsam thrives when given optimal care tailored to its preferences. Here’s how to provide the right growing environment:
Sunlight
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Needs minimum 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.
Soil
- Prefers rich, organic, well-draining soil. Loamy texture with added compost is ideal.
Water
- Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy. Water thoroughly when top inch dries out.
Temperature
- Grows best in warm conditions, ideally around 75°F during day.
Fertilizer
- Feed every 4-6 weeks with balanced flower fertilizer.
Pruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
Giving balsam what it needs in terms of sun, soil, moisture, and nutrients ensures rapid, vibrant growth. Avoid stressors like overly wet or dry soil.
Caring for Balsam Through the Seasons
Tailoring care to each stage of growth is also key for fast-growing balsam:
Spring – Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Move seedlings outside after hardening off. Pinch growing tips when 4” tall.
Summer – Water and fertilize regularly once established. Deadhead flowers continually. Monitor for pests like aphids.
Fall – Enjoy profuse blooming until frost. Allow some seed pods to mature for collecting seeds to sow next year.
Adjusting care based on the plant’s needs in each season prevents slowdowns and keeps balsam growing vigorously.
Tips to Maximize Balsam’s Growth Rate
Beyond the basics, here are some extra tips for pushing balsam to its fastest growth potential:
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Start seeds indoors up to 2 months before your last frost for a head start on growth.
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Use bottom heat, such as a heat mat, to spur faster germination.
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Give seedlings grow lights to prevent leggy, stretched growth.
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Mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time to feed plants for 6-8 weeks.
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Use black or red plastic mulch to warm the soil and boost growth.
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Pinch plants when 4” tall and again at 6” to encourage bushiness.
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Keep plants well-spaced at 12” apart so they don’t compete for light and soil resources.
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Avoid heat and drought stress by watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Choose fast-blooming balsam varieties like Camellia Balsam or Peppermint Sticks.
With the right care strategies, balsam can indeed live up to its “impatient” reputation and add vibrant color to your garden in short order.
Troubleshooting Slow or Stunted Balsam Growth
If your balsam plants seem to lag behind or grow slowly, there are a few common issues to troubleshoot:
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Insufficient sunlight – Balsam needs 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Too much shade leads to sparse, leggy growth.
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Improper watering – Overwatering can rot roots while underwatering stunts growth. Maintain even moisture.
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Poor nutrition – Lack of nutrients from low-quality soil or insufficient fertilizer reduces vigor.
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Cold temperatures – Balsam thrives in daytime temperatures around 75°F. Cooler conditions slow growth.
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Root disturbance – Transplanting or disturbing balsam’s shallow roots once established can impede growth.
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Diseases/pests – Issues like fungal diseases, aphids, spider mites and others stress plants and suppress growth.
Correct any care issues and balsam should pick back up to its naturally quick pace.
Enjoy Balsam’s Rapid Growth and Flower Power
When provided with its preferred growing conditions, balsam amply rewards gardeners with vivid blooms in short order. This fast-growing annual is a great choice for new gardeners and anyone who wants quick color. Monitor plants and make care adjustments as needed through the seasons to keep your balsam growing vigorously. Soon you’ll be enjoying this classics cottage garden beauty!
Is Balsam a summer flower?
Balsam flowers bloom in summers, spring, and fall. They cannot tolerate cold temperatures and are instantly killed by frost. They thrive in warmer temperatures but can wilt in summer heat waves. They also prefer a little humidity but can survive drier air if the soil stays moist.
Is this plant still employed as a traditional remedy?
Yes. This Plant has many medical uses, particularly in Asia. Poultices formed by crushing the leaves and blossoms are used as a balm for burns and other skin irritations. It is less prevalent in western folk holistic treatment.
Balsam Flower Plant Growing From Seed (103 Days Time Lapse)
FAQ
Does balsam come back every year?
Does balsam like sun or shade?
How big do balsam plants get?
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Genus Name
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Impatiens balsamina
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Height
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1 to 3 feet
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Width
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6 to 12 inches
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Flower Color
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Pink, Purple, Red, White
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Foliage Color
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Blue/Green
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How long does balsam take to grow?
Balsam requires 60 to 70 days from sowing to produce flowers, so an early start is essential. Learn how to grow balsam and enjoy these lovely colorful flowers through the end of the season. Try growing Balsam plants from seed if you have a long growing season, or pick them up at your favorite nursery.
How long do balsam fir seeds take to germinate?
After six to eight weeks in the refrigerator, the seeds are ready to be sown. Note, Balsam fir seeds won’t germinate without this treatment. This process mimics their natural germination pattern in the forest. There, Balsam fir seeds lay in the cold moist soil for months until their spring germination.
How to plant balsam seeds?
The soaking process helps to stimulate germination by softening the seed coat and activating the embryo inside. After preparing and breaking the seed dormancy successfully, the seeds are ready for planting. Ensure you’re planting the Balsam seeds in well-drained soil, at a depth of approximately ¼ inch.
How fast do balsam fir trees grow?
Given ideal conditions, balsam fir trees ( Abies balsamea) grow about a foot (0.5 m.) a year. They quickly become the evenly shaped, dense, conical trees that we recognize as Christmas trees, but they don’t stop there. Balsam firs become towering, architectural trees with a bold presence in the landscape.