Balsam flower is victoria garden’s favorite flower.
The native of the flower is Asia, North America, and south Africa.
Balsam flowers are used for both ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Other names of balsam plants are Garden balsam, Rose balsam, and Touch me not.
Botanical name- Impatiens balsamina
Family- Balsaminaceae
Plant type- Annual
n Asia, it is mainly used for treating rheumatism, fractures, and other ailments.
Season: The seeds will be sown in january-february, flowering in May-June.
The Balsam flower’s sweet scent fills the space with an unforgettable smell.
The beautiful smell and therapeutic benefits of balsam flowers, which are indigenous to the Himalayas, were discovered centuries ago.
Europeans brought the plant to their nations in the 17th century. Balsam flowers are now commonly used in perfumes and conventional treatments for skin and respiratory issues.
Gardeners also admire balsam flowers for their bright blooms and attractive foliage. The balsam flower growing season varies according to the locality and species. So in this blog, you can easily understand the best growing season for the balsam plants.
Features of flower: Balsam comes in an array of colors with double petals; it is covered by large leaves .colour of the flower are white, red, orange, yellow, violet, and pink. This flower sometimes looks like a mini rose.
This plant is used for many medicinal purposes treating skin diseases. Leaf juice treats warts and snakebites, and flower extract is used for burns.
Propagation: Balsam reproduces by seeds; the plant’s nickname is Touch me not, jewelweed, and impatiens. The seed pods burst open, and the roots spread everywhere and grow in places you don’t want.
The Balsam flower is one of the richest sources of bees.
Best season to grow balsam flowers in India:
Depending on the particular species and the locality, balsam flowers have different blooming seasons in India. Here are some typical balsam flower blooming seasons in India though:
Impatiens Balsamina (Lady’s Slipper): June to September
Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam): June to September
Impatiens noli-tangere (Touch-Me-Not): July to October
The monsoon season, which usually lasts from June through September, is when balsam flowers blossom in India. The local climate and weather circumstances may affect the precise blooming season.
How to grow balsam plant from seeds:
1. Seeds can be purchased from a local nursery. After buying, soak them overnight to increase the chances of germination.
2. Now, take a seed tray or small container and fill the tray with potting soil; after filling the soil, sow the balsam seeds in the soil.
3. The seeds should be placed in half an inch, not so deep. Now spray some water to keep the seed and soil with moisture.
4. After completing the above steps, place the container in indirect sunlight.
5. Seeds start germination within one week.
6. Once the seedling emerges set 2-3 leaves now; it should be transplanted.
7. You can transplant the seedling in a big container or garden bed.
8. After transplanting, proper watering and fertigation should be given to the plant to grow as a healthy plant.
9. If all the above steps are done correctly, the plant starts to flower in 70 days.
10. If you need more time to grow the plant, you can purchase a well-grown plant from a nursery; it will save a lot of work and time.
Sunlight:
The Balsam plant requires 3-4 hours of sunlight daily for incredible growth.
East or south direction is the best spot for plant growth.
If growing indoors, the plant should be placed near a window in the direction of sunlight.
Water requirement:
The plant requires minimal water for incredible growth.
Watering is needed whenever the above soil gets dry and should not let the plant in soggy.
Once in 3 days, spraying water is sufficient. Watering should be done around the root water should not fall on the leaves because it leads to disease.
Soil:
Loamy, Moist, Well drained
Soil should be fertile and porous to withhold the water.
Using potting soil is a good choice.
The soil should be mixed with compost for the nutrients of the plant.
Climate:
A warm and humid climate is preferred for the growth of the plant.
Heavy heat and direct sunlight may lead to dryness in the plant.
Fertiliser:
You can use any homemade organic fertilizer with the proper dosage.
Fermented compost tea, coffee grounds, and vegetable waste can be fertilized.
Pruning:
Removing extra leaves and stem portions should be done often because the plant can supply nutrients efficiently to flowers.
Pruning can efficiently increase the flowering in plants.
Pest and diseases:
Major diseases are powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Balsam twig aphid is the major pest.
We can use a fungicide to control fungal infection and insect repellents to control pesticides.
Important varieties:
- Balsam mix
- Camellia Flowering mixture
- Double Camellia flowered
- Rose Balsam
- Tall Double
- Dwarf Bush Flowered
- Tom Thumb.
Caring for balsam:
- Frequent spraying of water is necessary.
- Applying fertilizer at least once a month.
- Avoid pest and disease attacks.
- Removing extra leaves whenever needed.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
Harvesting:
The flower should open completely; then, only harvesting should be done.
Cut the flowers either late in the afternoon or very early in the morning.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is the balsam seed germination time?
Balsam seeds might take longer or shorter to germinate depending on a number of variables, including temperature, moisture content, and seed quality. Balsam seeds normally germinate in 7 to 14 days when conditions are suitable.
2. What is the lifespan of the balsam plant?
A balsam plant’s lifespan can vary based on the species and the growing environment, but most of them are annuals, which means they go from seed to death in a single growing season. According to the species and the environment in which it is grown, a balsam plant’s lifespan can often range from one season to several years.