Chinese Balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, is a popular and vibrant annual flowering plant cherished by gardeners. Its striking blooms and straightforward cultivation make it a favored choice for adding visual appeal to various garden settings. It offers a burst of color throughout warmer months, making it an attractive addition to beds, borders, or containers.
Identifying Chinese Balsam
Chinese Balsam is recognized by its erect, sparsely branched growth, typically reaching 6 to 30 inches tall. The plant features soft, fleshy stems and spirally arranged, lance-shaped leaves with deeply serrated margins, measuring between 1 to 3.5 inches long. Its cup-shaped flowers, approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter, emerge in various colors including pink, red, mauve, purple, lilac, white, and bicolor combinations.
These flowers can be single or double-petaled, often resembling roses or camellias. The plant is also commonly known as Garden Balsam, Rose Balsam, or Touch-Me-Not. The “Touch-Me-Not” moniker comes from its ripe seed pods, which explosively dehisce when touched, scattering seeds. Chinese Balsam is native to India and Myanmar, and has naturalized in regions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Cultivating Chinese Balsam
Chinese Balsam thrives in full sun to partial shade; some varieties benefit from protection from intense afternoon sun in warmer climates. Providing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. The plant prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH range for optimal growth is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Chinese Balsam requires consistent moisture; keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while insufficient water causes wilting and reduced blooming. During hot, dry periods, container-grown plants may need daily watering. Chinese Balsam prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 15-27°C (59-80°F), and cannot tolerate frost.
Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and prolific blooming. Apply a balanced, water-soluble, or slow-release granular fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting provides a good base of nutrients. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Starting Chinese Balsam from Seed
Chinese Balsam is commonly propagated from seed, which can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors for an earlier bloom. For indoor sowing, start seeds approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a well-draining seed starting mix.
Seeds should be covered lightly with about 1/8 inch of soil, as they require some light for germination. Maintain consistent moisture in the seed starting medium. Ideal germination temperatures range from 18-24°C (64-75°F). Seedlings typically emerge within 4-5 days.
Once seedlings develop true leaves and reach 2-3 inches, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final location. When transplanting outdoors, ensure all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F). Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth.
Addressing Common Issues
Chinese Balsam can encounter a few common problems. Yellowing leaves often indicate improper watering (too much or too little) or a nutrient deficiency. Ensuring consistent, appropriate moisture levels and balanced fertilization can address these concerns. Inadequate sunlight or depleted soil can also contribute to yellowing foliage.
Pests such as aphids and spider mites can infest Chinese Balsam. Regularly inspecting plants helps identify infestations early, allowing for timely treatment with organic or insecticidal soaps. Diseases like powdery mildew and damping off can also affect these plants. Powdery mildew often appears in humid conditions; damping off affects seedlings in overly wet soil.
Preventative measures include ensuring good air circulation around plants and avoiding overhead watering, which can reduce fungal issues. Leggy growth, where stems become elongated and sparse, can occur if plants do not receive enough light. Pinching back the growing tips of young plants encourages bushier growth and a more compact form. Lack of blooms can also be a sign of insufficient light.