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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. Balsam plant care is trouble-free due to its resistance to many common garden pests. It may be plagued by soil nematodes, powdery mildew or Oedema, but these problems are relatively infrequent.
Balsminaceae impatiens is a common sun to partial shade flowering annual. It is easy to grow and widely available at nurseries and garden centers. Impatiens balsamina is known by the common name balsam or by the umbrella moniker of impatiens, which covers a wide variety of forms and tones. Balsam may also be found as “Rose Balsam.” The flowers bear double petals and come in an array of colors but are partially hidden by large attractive leaves with pronounced veins. Balsams come in white, red, orange, yellow, violet, and pink. These flowers resemble mini roses or camellias with the thickly spaced petals and tones. Some fun balsam plant information is found in another of its names: touch-me-not. The name is owing to the end of season pods which form and burst at the slightest touch.
Balsam plants, also known by their scientific name Impatiens balsamina, are incredibly popular ornamental plants that are loved for their vibrant, colorful flowers. While relatively easy to care for, getting the watering schedule just right is crucial for ensuring your balsam plants stay healthy and thriving. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much water balsam plants need and how to keep them hydrated.
Understanding the Balsam Plant
Balsams are native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Africa. They naturally prefer warm, humid environments with moist soil and consistent rainfall. This is key to understand when figuring out their watering needs in your home or garden.
Factors That Affect Water Requirements
There are a few key factors that influence how much water balsam plants need:
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Soil type: Well-draining soil is vital, as balsams hate soggy, waterlogged roots. Aim for a lightweight potting mix with lots of organic material.
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Temperature & humidity Hot, dry conditions cause faster moisture loss from soil Balsams may need more frequent watering in high heat/low humidity
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Sun exposure Plants in full sun dry out quicker than those in partial shade, Increased sunlight equals increased water needs,
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Size of plant & pot: Larger plants and pots need more water to wet all the soil. Smaller balsams need less.
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Plant age Younger plants need more frequent watering to establish roots Mature balsams are more drought tolerant.
How Often to Water Balsam Plants
As a general guideline, balsams should be watered approximately every 2-3 days during the active growing season (spring through fall). However, adjust this based on the factors above. Use these tips:
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Check soil moisture by sticking a finger 1-2 inches down. Water when top inch feels dry.
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Small balsams in 5 inch pots need around 0.8 cups of water every 9 days without direct sun.
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Increase frequency if plants show drooping, wilting or dry leaves.
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Reduce watering during cooler weather and in winter when plant is dormant.
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Water at base of plant to avoid wetting leaves and flowers.
Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
Pay close attention for cues that indicate whether your balsam is getting too much or too little water:
Overwatered: Wilting, yellowing leaves, root rot, foul odor, slow growth, lack of flowers.
Underwatered: Droopy, wilted foliage, leaves crispy and brown on edges, stunted growth.
Adjust your watering schedule if you notice these issues. Providing the right amount of moisture is key!
Watering Methods for Balsam Plants
Hand watering: Water thoroughly at base of plant until it drips from drainage holes. Allow to dry out between waterings.
Drip irrigation: Great for providing slow, consistent moisture. Drip lines deliver water right to the roots.
Self-watering pots: These containers have built-in reservoirs to provide water as needed. Ideal for when you’ll be away.
Misting: Avoid misting balsam leaves, as wet foliage encourages disease. Misting doesn’t provide enough water to roots.
Growing Balsams Successfully
Follow these tips for successfully growing balsam plants:
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Use containers with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
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Add organic material like compost to improve moisture retention in soil.
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Place in bright, indirect light indoors. Some sun is ok, but avoid hot midday sun.
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Keep humid around plants by grouping pots together or using a pebble tray.
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Prune back any diseased, dead leaves/stems to encourage new growth.
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Pick off spent flowers to promote more blooms.
Getting the watering schedule right is crucial for growing beautiful, vibrant balsam plants. Pay close attention to your plant’s needs and signs of distress. With a little practice, you’ll be a balsam watering expert!
How to Grow Balsam
Start plants indoors for an earlier color show. You may direct sow in warmer climates where soils warm up early in the spring, but the majority of gardeners will find that sowing in flats at least 8 weeks before the date of the last frost will yield the best plants. Cover the seeds with just a dusting of soil and keep moist. In garden flats, cover the top of the soil with plastic to encourage germination and keep in moisture. Expect germination when growing balsam plants from seed in approximately 10 to 15 days. Young balsam plant care should include a time release fertilizer at transplant, when plants are at least 2 inches (5 cm.) tall and have a good root base.
Balsam needs moist, well-drained soil and performs best in partial shade locations. Amend the soil with compost and break up clods before transplanting young balsam. Spacing is 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm.) apart. Water the plants from below to help prevent powdery mildew. A soaker hose or drip line system will assist with this method of watering. The plants will need supplemental watering at least once a week in the dry months. More frequent watering is necessary when caring for balsam in containers and hanging baskets. Collect the seed pod carefully at the end of the season for another year of rose balsam beauty in your garden. Let the pod dry and keep in a closed plastic bag or jar in a dark, cool area of the home until spring.
Balsam Plant – All about Balsam, and how to grow it
FAQ
How often do you water balsam?
How much water does a balsam fir tree need?
Does balsam like sun or shade?
Why is my balsam plant dying?
How much water does a balsam tree need?
Too much can lead to root rot, while too little water can cause the foliage to brown and die. The best way to determine the amount of water a Balsam needs is to use a soil moisture metre. If a soil moisture metre is not available, a general rule of thumb is to water the tree until the top 8–10 inches of soil is moist.
How do you care for a balsam plant?
Young balsam plant care should include a time release fertilizer at transplant, when plants are at least 2 inches (5 cm.) tall and have a good root base. Balsam needs moist, well-drained soil and performs best in partial shade locations. Amend the soil with compost and break up clods before transplanting young balsam.
How do you grow Balsam in a garden?
Plant garden balsam in partial shade for the best blooms. It will tolerate full sun as long as it gets plenty of water or some shade in the afternoon. Plant it in rich, well-draining soil. It grows well in containers on patios or balconies or in garden beds, where it adds color and a pleasant fragrance to mixed beds and borders.
What is the best soil for a balsam tree?
The best soil for a Balsam is one with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, the growth rate of the tree may be slow. The tree will need nutrients to thrive, hence the fertility of the soil contributes to how long the tree takes to mature. How Tall do Balsam Fir trees Grow?