Balsam Flowers: How to grow and care for it?

Balsam Flower: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for Balsam Flowers

Introduction

Balsam flowers, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, are vibrant, easy-to-grow annuals that can add a splash of color to any garden. These flowers, which bloom from late spring through the first fall frost, come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a favorite among gardeners. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about balsam flowers, from their characteristics and growing conditions to their benefits and uses.

What is a Balsam Flower?

Garden balsam, or Impatiens balsamina, is a perennial flower that blooms on tall stems covered in lance-shaped, light-green leaves with serrated edges. These evergreen plants can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches and produce larger double flowers in colors such as pink, red, white, and light purple.

Balsam Flower: Important Facts

Balsam Plant: Anatomy

Stem: The stem of the balsam plant can be green, red, or burgundy. It is robust, straight, but delicate.

Leaf: The leaves are green, simple, and spirally arranged with a strongly serrated border. They are elliptical or lanceolate-shaped, measuring 3-6 inches long and 1-3 inches wide.

Flower: The traditional balsam flower has three sepals, two of which are small and green, and one that is irregular and shaped like a petal with a prominent spur. The five petals are often fused, giving the flower a hooded, round-topped appearance. The flowers are hermaphrodite, single to double, and cup-shaped, measuring 1-3 inches.

Flower Color: Balsam flowers come in pink, purple/lavender, red/burgundy, and white.

Flower Inflorescence: Solitary

Fruit: The fruit is a capsule that starts green and turns yellow as it matures. It measures 1-3 inches in length and width and bursts to release seeds when touched, hence the name “Touch-me-not.”

Balsam Flower: Habitat and Distribution

Native to Eastern Asia, including India, China, and Myanmar, balsam flowers have naturalized in several Pacific Ocean islands and have become somewhat invasive. They thrive in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found in environments ranging from slightly above sea level to 3500 meters. Balsam flowers are commonly grown as ornamentals in gardens and have naturalized in uncultivated areas like grasslands, streambeds, and roadsides.

Balsam Flower: Cultivation

Balsam flowers are usually cultivated from seeds. You can plant the seeds indoors or in a flower garden. Indoor sowing should begin about six weeks before the first winter frost. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and keep the soil moist. Balsam plants need 10 to 15 days to germinate and will bloom profusely from early to midsummer until the last spring frost.

Preferable Climatic Conditions:

• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
• Temperature: Between 15°C – 25°C

Is Balsam a Summer Flower?

Yes, balsam flowers bloom in summer, spring, and fall. They cannot tolerate cold temperatures and are instantly killed by frost. They thrive in warmer temperatures but can wilt in summer heat waves. They also prefer a little humidity but can survive drier air if the soil stays moist.

Is Balsam an Indoor Plant?

Balsam needs 3-4 hours of direct sunlight but can also survive and bloom in partial shade. To grow it indoors, a south or east-facing location is most suitable. It is highly recommended to keep it indoors during the winters as it cannot tolerate even the slightest frost.

Balsam Flower: Benefits and Uses

Uses as Food: The blossoms can be used as edible pansy-style decorations for cakes and cookies. Leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, and the seeds can also be consumed.

Medicinal Benefits: Balsam can lessen acidity, soothe burns, treat arthritis, and act as a diuretic and digestive aid. The seeds can be used to produce edible oil, and powdered seeds are used in China to facilitate delivery during pregnancy. In the Philippines, seeds are used to treat back pain. Balsam leaves can be used to treat snake and bug bites, and the flowers can treat bacterial and fungal infections.

Value to Wildlife: Balsam flowers attract bees, other insects, and nectar-eating birds.

Other Uses: Impatiens balsamina is often grown as an ornamental plant. The flowers and leaves can be crushed to give nails color, similar to henna. In India, balsam flowers are used in festivals honoring the elephant-headed god Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri.

Side Effects of Balsam Plant: Can Balsam Flower Be Eaten?

Consuming balsam plants in significant quantities can be hazardous due to their high mineral content. Raw food consumption in large amounts causes calcium oxalate to build up, leading to orange stains when the stems or blooms are broken off. People predisposed to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, and hyperacidity should use extra caution when consuming this herb.

Typical Recognizing Problem of I. balsamina

Garden balsam is generally free of pests and illnesses but can occasionally get aphids and cucumber beetles, which can be controlled with horticultural oil like neem oil. I. balsamina is also susceptible to powdery mildew.

Invasiveness and Control

Himalayan balsam is a particularly problematic invasive non-native plant that smothers and displaces other native plants along riverbanks and lakeshores. Impatiens balsamina has naturalized in disturbed areas and semi-natural habitats, forming dense stands that prevent native plant species from establishing seeds and germination. Control methods include using herbicides like 2,4-D, triclopyr, and glyphosate.

Conclusion

Garden balsam, with its vibrant and diverse blooms, is a beautiful addition to any garden. While it is easy to grow and care for, it can become invasive if not managed properly. By understanding its growing conditions, benefits, and potential issues, you can enjoy the beauty of balsam flowers while keeping your garden healthy and balanced. Whether used as an ornamental plant or for its medicinal properties, balsam flowers are a versatile and valuable addition to any garden.

FAQs

1. Can balsam flowers be grown indoors? Yes, balsam flowers can be grown indoors, especially in a south or east-facing location.

2. What are the medicinal benefits of balsam flowers? Balsam flowers can soothe burns, treat arthritis, act as a diuretic and digestive aid, and treat bacterial and fungal infections.

3. Are balsam flowers invasive? Yes, balsam flowers can become invasive if not managed properly, especially in warmer climates with long growing seasons.

4. What is the best soil type for growing balsam flowers? Balsam flowers prefer loamy, moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.5.

5. How long do balsam flowers take to germinate? Balsam flowers take 10 to 15 days to germinate.