Balsam Flowers Growing and Caring for Impatiens Balsamina

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Botanically known as Impatiens balsamina (Im-PAY-shens bal-SAM-in-uh), the balsam flower is native to Asia (India and Myanmar).

The Balsam flower variety came to Europe around the 16th century and was introduced to the United States by the early 18th century.

Blooming Balsom flowerPin

This camellia-like flower was quite popular in the Victorian era. Even today, the heirloom flower is much loved and admired for its exotic appearance and has been introduced in multiple varieties worldwide.

Related: Growing New Guinea Impatiens

This hybrid annual goes by many beautiful names, such as:



  • Balsam
  • Garden balsam
  • Rose balsam
  • Jumping Betty
  • Touch-me-not
  • Spotted snapweed
  • Lady’s slipper

Balsam Flower Care

Size and Growth

The balsam plant grows best in full sun and partial shade. When the annual plant has the best growing conditions, it successfully grows to 12″-24″ inches in height.

It is an easy-to-grow plant as long as the plant receives organic and well-rich soil. The soil should also be moist at all times, as it is essential for the healthy and nourishing growth of the plant.

Flowering and Fragrance

Balsam bears double flowers, which make it look similar to camellias or the double hybrids of impatiens. The flower petals are soft like velvet and fully bloom in their growing season.

Unlike hybrid impatiens, this beautiful flower sprouts from seeds produced on the stem. The balsam flower is easily spotted from afar due to its bright red, pink, white, and purple colors.

They flower from late spring to early fall. The blossoms have 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter and 4-5 delicate petals. 

 The vibrant cup-shaped flowers come in various shades of white, pink, red, and a bicolor version. It prefers a moist setting and has a low tolerance for drought conditions. 

Balsam is not just admired for its stunning range of hues but its pronounced leaves as well. Contrary to vivid blooms, the leaves of balsam are dark green.

They are narrow, faintly toothed, and have prominent veins. When balsam plants adorn the garden, they fill the space with beauty and an unforgettably sweet scent.

Light and Temperature

Ideally, balsam must be subject to hot and full sunlight. However, it does not require bright light. Generally, average room temperature is preferred for the healthy growth of balsam.

The plant is widely naturalized through the tropics, subtropics, and warmer areas of the temperate zone. 

But in places with a high humidity level, the plant needs 75° degrees Fahrenheit or 24° degrees C to grow properly. Remember – balsams do not survive temperatures below 54° degrees Fahrenheit or 12° degrees C.

Soil Moisture, Water & Feeding

While balsam does not have high water needs, it requires thorough watering during the germination period. Keep the soil moist, especially in hot regions.

If the area where balsam plants are cultivated does not receive enough annual rainfall, water the plant with a watering pot.

Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content.

During dry weather conditions, the plant needs to be watered once or twice a week. The roots should remain wet after watering. Apply a general-purpose liquid fertilizer weekly for optimum growth.

Soil and Transplanting

A balsam plant requires rich, well-moist soil and performs effectively in partial shade. When transplanting, the soil should be filled with compost, and clods must be torn apart.

 Seed collection is difficult as the capsules are sensitive to the touch. The capsules may burst open during collection.

Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist well-drained humus-rich soil in a cool site.

The right time for transplanting Impatiens balsamina is when the seedlings have been watered. It should also be transplanted on a cool day or in the evening. The best time for transplanting seedlings is when they burst with the first few baby leaves.

Grooming and Maintenance

Balsam plants need to be kept moist at all times. They will only continue to thrive during the worst heat conditions if adequately watered.

The plant should also be fertilized with a flower fertilizer every two weeks. Avoid the removal of seed heads. Instead, collect them as soon as they burst. 

Plant these collected seeds in other areas or save them for the next year’s cultivation.

How To Propagate Balsam Flowers?

Generally, balsams are grown from seeds. The flower seeds are planted in a flower garden or seeded indoors.

These balsam seeds are placed in trays or flats to make transplantation easier later on. Sowing indoors should start approximately six weeks before the winter frost.

After sowing the seeds, cover the place with 1/8″ inch of soil. Water the plant thoroughly to keep the soil moist.

Balsam will burst with flowers from early-middle summer to the last spring frost. A balsam plant takes 10 to 15 days for germination, so don’t forget to water the plant all this while.

Balsam Flowers Pests and Diseases

Unfortunately, rose balsams are not immune to pest and disease problems. In general, these plants attract bees, butterflies, and some nectar-feeding birds. 

Watch out for insects like whiteflies and aphids. Apply an adequate pesticide to the plant daily and remove infested flower petals if you spot them.

Red spider mites may attack the plant due to its exposure to full sunlight and dry air.

This annual flower can also experience powdery mildew fungal disease, which spreads fast through flower beds.

Balsam Flowers Uses

The colorful flowers of Balsam plants are usually grown in parks and gardens to help elevate the beauty of these beautiful places. They also line flower borders, shady beds, woodland areas, and edges along walks and paths.

This annual is used in the form of hanging baskets and window boxes, which help beautify the décor.

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