Garden balsam from seed

Garden balsam is the old-fashioned Indian balsam of cottage gardens, with rose-like double and semi-double flowers packed close along upright stems, in mixed pink, red, white and purple. Glossy, serrated leaves frame the flowers from early summer until autumn. It should not be confused with Himalayan balsam, Impatiens glandulifera, which is on the EU invasive species list.

Height

30-75 cm

Germination

7-14 days at 20-25 °C, needs light

Spacing

20-30 cm

Flowering

early summer to autumn

IN*

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How to sow

  1. The seed needs light, so press it onto the surface and do not bury it.
  2. At 20-25 °C seedlings appear in 7-14 days.
  3. Start indoors four to six weeks before the last frost, or sow outdoors once frosts are over.
  4. Space the plants 20-30 cm apart.

Growing in Europe

Plant it in full sun or light shade in rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. It does well in containers. Deadhead regularly and feed every four to six weeks for continuous flowering. Do not crowd the plants: good air movement keeps aphids and fungal problems down.

Questions

Is garden balsam the same as Himalayan balsam?

No. Garden balsam is Impatiens balsamina; Himalayan balsam is Impatiens glandulifera, which is invasive in the EU.

Should balsam seeds be covered?

No. They need light; press them onto the surface and keep them at 20-25 °C.

Can garden balsam grow in pots?

Yes. Use rich, moist, well-drained compost and feed every four to six weeks.