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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, with their vibrant and colorful flowers, are a beloved addition to many gardens. Their beauty and fragrant blooms make them a popular choice. However, knowing the optimal time and proper techniques for harvesting balsam plants is key to ensuring a successful and abundant harvest. In this article, we’ll explore when to harvest balsam plants and the best practices for maximizing your yield.
Understanding Balsam Plants
Balsam plants belong to the Impatiens genus and are annual flowering plants that thrive in warm environments. They produce an abundance of colorful blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. These plants prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, making them ideal for garden beds and containers.
Balsam plants go through distinct stages of growth over their seasonal lifecycle. They need warm soil temperatures between 70-85°F to germinate, taking 10-20 days to emerge. Young seedlings initially have pairs of embryonic leaves, followed by mature true leaves. After 5-6 weeks of growth, balsam plants reach maturity and begin blooming through the summer.
When to Harvest Balsam Flowers
The ideal time to harvest balsam flowers depends on your intended use. If collecting them for floral arrangements or decoration, harvest when blooms are fully open and at peak vibrancy. This ensures you get the best quality flowers. Blooms can be cut throughout summer and fall as flowers continuously open on the plants.
Monitor the plants closely and harvest individual blooms as they reach maturity. Use sharp clean pruners to cut the stems just above a leaf node. This encourages new branching and further flowering.
When to Harvest Balsam Seeds
For collecting balsam seeds for propagation or culinary uses, timing is different. Allow seed pods to fully develop and ripen, turning brown and brittle. This signals maturity. Gently squeeze pods to release the small black seeds inside once completely dried out. Store collected seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Step-By-Step Harvesting Techniques
Harvesting Flowers:
- Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors
- Cut stems just above a leaf node
- Avoid tearing or pulling stems
- Remove any leaves below waterline if arranging flowers
- Immediately place stems in fresh water
Harvesting Seeds:
- Allow seed pods to dry and turn brown
- Gently squeeze pods to release seeds
- Collect seeds carefully to avoid losing any
- Transfer to dry storage containers
- Label with plant variety and harvest date
Tips for Success
- Monitor plants regularly for signs of peak maturity
- Harvest in the cool morning hours
- Use clean tools to prevent plant damage
- Handle seeds gently to avoid loss or damage
- Allow proper drying time for seed pods
Proper timing and techniques are critical when harvesting balsam plants With the right approach, you can reap a bountiful harvest of vibrant flowers and viable seeds season after season Pay close attention to the plants’ growth stages and employ careful harvesting practices. In no time, you’ll have beautiful balsam blooms and plenty of seeds to continue growing these colorful garden favorites.
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.
Creepy Trees Caught Moving
How do I start balsam seeds?
Start seeds indoors or directly sow in the garden once temperatures exceed 50ºF. We prefer to start balsam seeds indoors. This allows us to keep them warm and protected as well as get a headstart on flowers. Warm soil helps germination. Use a heating mat to keep the temperature between 60-70ºF.
How long does a balsam seed take to germinate?
Germination is quick, in as little as four days. After the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to 12 inches apart. Start Your Seed Indoors – Balsam seeds can be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost. Surface sow the seeds in containers with pre-moistened soil. Do not cover them. They need sunlight to germinate.
How big does a balsam plant get?
Balsam may be planted in containers or in garden beds. Seeds may be started indoors or directly sown in the garden. The plants are sturdy, upright and narrow, growing about 12 to 36 inches tall. Blooms come in shades of pink, red, white and light purple. The flowers may be a little hard to see as they are nestled between the leaves along the stem.
How do you grow balsam?
Balsam is an easy to grow annual. It adapts well to both sunny and partially shaded conditions. Balsam grows especially well in sunny sites that are out of the harsh afternoon sun. Balsam may be planted in containers or in garden beds. Seeds may be started indoors or directly sown in the garden.