There are many cultivars of the garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), with pink, red, purple, white, multi-colored and double flowers. This annual growing member of the Balsaminaceae family can reach a height of up to 80 centimetres. The wild type originates from India and was introduced as an ornamental plant in other regions, where it was able to establish itself (distribution map).
Garden balsam is suitable for sunny to semi-shady locations with evenly moist soil and also know as rose balsam, touch-me-not, spotted snapweed or simply as balsam.
Sowing instructions
It can be sown indoors in Central Europe from the beginning of March. It can be sown in the bed from mid-April or early May, depending on the region. Impatiens balsamina does not tolerate frost.
The seeds can, but do not have to, be soaked for eight to twelve hours before sowing. They germinate reliably and quickly even without this treatment.
At around 77 °F (25 °C), it only took five days for the first cotyledons to appear.
I used a peat-free vegetables mix as a substrate. Mixtures for houseplants, container plants or balcony plants are also suitable.
The sowing depth should be between five and ten millimeters.
The soil should be kept evenly moist but not dripping wet.
The location for germination and cultivation can be semi-shaded, bright or partly sunny, with morning or evening sun.
Categories: Garden plants | Nuts & Seeds |
