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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 (Impatiens balsamina) is a wonderfully easy annual flower that adds vibrant colors and a cottage garden feel to outdoor spaces. Native to India and Southeast Asia these plants have been grown in gardens around the world for centuries. With ruffled rose-like blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, white and more, balsam brings charm and beauty to any garden bed or container.
Growing balsam plants from seed is quite simple if you follow some basic guidelines. Here are the key things to know for successfully growing balsam flowers outdoors:
Choose the Right Location
Balsam plants thrive in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much hot sun can cause the leaves to scorch. Aim for about 4 hours of sun per day. Sheltered areas near trees or shrubs are ideal.
Prepare the Soil
Like most annual flowers, balsam does best in soil that is rich in organic matter. Work some compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil before planting. The soil should be moist but well-draining. Wet soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Allow Enough Space
Space balsam plants 8-12 inches apart in the garden bed or container. They grow 1-3 feet tall and can spread up to 12 inches wide. Give them room to reach their mature size without overcrowding.
Sow Seeds at the Right Time
Balsam thrives in warm weather and cannot tolerate frost. Wait until after the last spring frost date to sow seeds directly in the garden. For an earlier start, begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your frost-free date. Harden off seedlings and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Water Consistently
Balsam flowers require consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged Water them deeply at the base every few days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Be diligent about watering balsam in containers, as they dry out more quickly.
Apply a Balanced Fertilizer
Using a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks will promote lush foliage and abundant blooms. Follow package directions. Discontinue fertilizing 6 weeks before your first fall frost to allow the plants to harden off.
Pinch Off Spent Blooms
Deadheading balsam plants by pinching off spent blooms with your fingers will encourage more flowers. It also prevents seed pods from forming, unless you want to collect seeds.
Monitor for Pests
Balsam flowers are relatively pest-free, but aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and powdery mildew may occur. Hose plants off regularly to prevent pests. Treat any issues promptly with appropriate organic remedies.
Harvest Seeds for Next Year
At the end of the season, collect dried seed pods and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. Crush the pods in spring and sow the seeds indoors or directly in the garden after frost danger has passed.
When cared for properly, balsam adds vibrant, non-stop color to gardens from early summer until fall frost. Their lush foliage and abundant blooms also attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. If you love old-fashioned charm, include balsam in your outdoor planting plans this year. Follow these growing tips for success with this beautiful annual flower.
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.
KNOW How To Grow BALSAM From Seed With All CARE Tips [A-Z Info]
FAQ
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