Propagating Balsam Plants: A Complete Guide

With their explosively colorful blooms and lush, tropical foliage, balsam plants (Impatiens balsamina) are a beloved warm-weather annual. Their popping hues of pink, red, white, and purple add vibrant interest to gardens and containers.

While you can always purchase balsam plants from nurseries each year, propagating your own from seed is extremely rewarding. Plus it allows you to replicate beloved heirloom varieties Follow these tips for successfully propagating balsam plants

When to Propagate Balsams

Spring is the ideal time for balsam propagation. This gives the new seedlings a full growing season to mature before cooler fall temperatures arrive.

You can get a head start by sowing seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Or direct sow seeds into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Gathering and Storing Balsam Seeds

The best way to propagate balsams is from seed. At the end of the growing season, allow a few flower heads to remain on the plant instead of deadheading them. The seed pods will swell and eventually explode, scattering seeds when fully ripe.

To collect the seeds

• Identify seed pods that are light green and plump. Avoid older, darker pods as they may contain immature seeds.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands when harvesting. The pods will explode open at the lightest touch when ready!
• Hold a paper bag or envelope under the pod and lightly touch it to make it burst open. The seeds will eject into your collection container.
• Label bags with the balsam variety and date collected.
• Allow seeds to fully dry for about a week, then transfer to sealed containers.
• Store in a cool, dry location until spring sowing time.

Properly stored, balsam seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. Discard any that are moldy or damaged.

How to Start Balsam Seeds Indoors

Beginning 4-6 weeks before your projected last spring frost:

• Fill small containers with seed starting mix. Moisten the mix until damp but not saturated.
• Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. Balsams require light to germinate so do not cover them.
• Mist gently to moisten and place in a warm, bright location. Optimal germination temperature is 70-75°F.
• Seedlings will emerge in 5-10 days. Provide adequate light and airflow once they sprout.
• Transplant into larger containers once the second set of true leaves appear. Grow on until they can be moved outdoors after all danger of frost.
• Gradually introduce outdoor conditions over 7-10 days (a process called hardening off) before transplanting into the garden.

Direct Sowing Balsam Seeds Outdoors

Balsams can also be directly sown into the garden once temperatures have warmed in spring. Follow these tips:

• Prepare a planting bed in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Work in compost or fertilizer.
• Wait until after the last expected frost. Soil temperature should be at least 65°F for good germination.
• Sow seeds on the soil surface in rows or clusters, 12-18 inches apart. Do not cover them.
• Gently water the seeds to moisten and maintain even moisture until they sprout.
• Once seedlings reach 2-4 inches tall, thin to the final spacing of 12-15 inches apart.

Transplanting Balsam Seedlings

Whether you start seeds indoors or out transplanting guidelines are similar

• Wait until plants have 2-4 sets of true leaves and a well developed root system before moving them.
• Prepare transplant beds in full sun with enriched soil and good drainage. Space plants 12-15 inches apart.
• Water seedlings well before and after transplanting to reduce shock.
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling. Backfill gently and water in well.
• Provide adequate water and shelter from harsh sun/wind immediately after transplanting.

Caring for Young Balsam Plants

Balsams thrive with consistent, attentive care:

• Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Shelter from hot afternoon sun.
• Soak soil thoroughly when top inch becomes dry. Avoid wet feet.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
• Monitor for slugs, snails and other pests. Remove by hand immediately.
• Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushy growth.
• Install stakes or trellises for support as plants grow taller.

With attentive watering, fertilizing, and pest management, your propagated balsams will rapidly grow into lush, floriferous plants. Their vivid blossoms in mix-and-match colors will charm you all season long.

Advanced Balsam Propagation Methods

Beyond seed starting, there are a few other techniques for propagating balsams:

Stem Cuttings: Take 3-4 inch cuttings from the tip of a healthy balsam stem. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into moist propagation mix. Cover with a plastic bag until roots form.

Division: Carefully dig up a mature, multi-stemmed balsam clump. Gently tease apart into divisions, ensuring each has roots. Replant divisions in prepared beds.

Grafting: Graft desirable balsam flower buds onto disease-resistant impatiens rootstock for a hybrid plant. Requires expertise and specialty grafting tools.

For most home gardeners, propagating balsams from seed is the easiest and most reliable method. Just be sure to provide the right growing conditions for a bountiful harvest of joyful blossoms from your homegrown plants.