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Balsam
Balsam
Seed Packet

Balsam

Impatiens balsamina
Too wonderful to ignore, old-fashioned balsam sports rich and varied colors of white, apple blossom pink, red, salmon, and violet, some spotted with white. Vintage names such as Lady's Slipper, Balsamine, Jumping Betty, and Touch-Me-Not refer to the spring-loaded seedpods that split apart when touched, catapulting the seeds. Tolerant of humid heat, it is easy to grow and can be transplanted without harm at any growth stage-useful for filling a bare spot or two. Listed in a seed list of 1820. Self-sows.
SKU #S334
$3.25
Growing Companions
Malope 'Vulcan'
Malope 'Vulcan'
Perilla 'Purple Flat-leaved'
Perilla 'Purple Flat-leaved'
Ageratum 'White Bouquet'
Ageratum 'White Bouquet'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
100
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
2-2.5' h x 1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular to rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Bright mix of white, pink, red, salmon and violet, with white accents
Features
Great Cut Flower
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow; needs light to germinate.
Sprout Time:
7-15 days
Seed To Bloom:
10-12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in sterile germinating mix 6-8 weeks before last frost and cover with vermiculite to increase humidity. Keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Balsam is easy to grow from seed sown direct into the garden after frost. It looks best in groups in the cottage garden or at the woodland's edge in part shade. Pinch once, if desired, when 4" tall for bushiness. They transplant with ease at any stage and grow well and bloom in shaded spots.
Final Spacing:
2'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" a week, keep moist but do not saturate soil.
Soil pH:
Acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Mix in an inch or two of compost prior to planting. Avoid nitrogen fertilizers that favor leaves over flower production.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid powdery mildew by spacing properly and placing in a location that has good airflow.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
3/4 florets open