How to Grow Balsam
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Balsam
Impatiens balsamina
flowerBalsam is a tender annual flowering plant known for its vibrant, double-petaled flowers that resemble small roses or camellias. It produces abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and bi-colors throughout the growing season. The plant thrives in warm, moist conditions and is popular for garden borders, containers, and tropical settings.
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Example Balsam timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Balsam
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Balsam blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Balsam dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows as annual in all zones; perennial in zones 10-12
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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves; plants are delicate and light-green
Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F); provide bright indirect light; transplant when seedlings have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with oval, serrated leaves; stems are succulent and translucent
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at leaf axils; first blooms appear; plant becomes fuller and more compact
Continue pinching if desired for more compact growth; increase water frequency; switch to bloom-promoting fertilizer
Peak Flowering
6-10 weeksAbundant double or semi-double flowers cover the plant; continuous bloom production
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain consistent moisture; watch for pests and disease
Late Season & Seed Set
Until frostFlowers may slow in very hot weather; seed pods form if flowers are not deadheaded
Allow some flowers to set seed for self-seeding if desired; reduce watering slightly in cool fall conditions
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity and mist plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; reduce nitrogen fertilizer
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Isolate affected plants; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cotton
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; attract ladybugs with companion plantings
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove affected leaves
Uses
Edible flowers and young leaves
CulinaryBalsam flowers can be used as edible garnishes with a slightly spicy flavor. Young leaves are sometimes used in salads in Southeast Asian cuisines. [source]
Traditional anti-inflammatory remedy
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, particularly Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian traditions, balsam has been used topically for skin conditions and internally for inflammatory issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Natural dyes
HouseholdBalsam flowers produce vibrant pigments that can be extracted for natural dyes used in textile and craft projects. [source]
Fresh cut flowers and arrangements
CraftBalsam flowers are popular in fresh floral arrangements and bouquets due to their vibrant colors and rose-like appearance, though they have a short vase life of 3-5 days. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeBalsam flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators; the abundant nectar and bright colors make it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Balsam is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. If collecting seeds, allow flowers to mature into seed pods; pods will burst open and scatter seeds when ripe (typically 2-3 weeks after flowering)
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Balsam seed pods explode when touched at maturity, flinging seeds up to 6 feet away—this dramatic seed dispersal is why it's sometimes called 'Touch-me-not'
- 🌱 In Victorian times, balsam was extremely popular and hybridizers developed the ornate double-flowered varieties we grow today; it fell out of favor for decades but has experienced a revival among gardeners seeking cottage garden flowers
- 🌱 Balsam flowers have a unique structure where the true petals are small and modified; the showy 'petals' are actually colored sepals, and the plant can produce both double ornamental flowers and smaller self-pollinating flowers that never open
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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