Impatiens (Balsam) Seeds (Heirloom)

Heirloom balsam, or impatiens, is an annual plant with unusual, bright blossoms and is popular in summer gardening. Balsam requires some patience to grow, but its beauty and benefits are well worth the effort. Bees and nectar-feeding birds will enjoy visiting the pink, mauve, white, crimson, or lilac flowers just as much as you do. Depending on the variety, an heirloom impatiens plant can grow anywhere from six inches to three feet tall.

• Easy to grow and maintain
• Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
• Also known as touch-me-not flowers
• Bright and cheerful annuals that can light up any garden

Balsam, touch-me-not, or impatiens are all popular names for Impatiens balsamina, an annual blooming plant native to India and Myanmar. The blooms are often lilac, red, pink, white, or mauve in color, with a diameter of 2 1/2 to five cm. The spirally arranged leaves have a highly serrated border and are generally 2 1/2 to nine centimeters long. To release the contents of mature seed capsules, heirloom balsams undergo explosive dehiscence, also known as splitting.

Various elements of the heirloom balsam plant have been utilized to cure a range of ailments and diseases over the years. Balsam has been used to cure a variety of ailments, including warts, snakebites, burns, diarrhea, and even deadly fish ingestion. Vietnamese even shampoo their hair with a balsam plant ingredient to promote hair growth. Additionally, the blooms are crushed in Korea to make an orange dye that is used to color fingernails. Needless to say, this plant's history and applications are endless.

If you're as curious as we are, why not try growing heirloom impatiens yourself? Because of its sluggish growth rate, balsam is best started indoors. Start them two to three months before the last frost in the spring season. With a peat-light mix or sterilized soil mix, start the seeds in separate tray cells or pots. Fill the cells or pots halfway with the mixture, then fill halfway with warm water (before sowing the seeds). Once the water has drained, water once more with warm water. Sow the seeds onto the soil surface when the water has drained and the soil has cooled. Compress the seeds gently but do not cover them. Place the trays or pots in a bright, full-sun position with bottom heat that will maintain a constant temperature of 75°F. When you're ready to transfer the seedlings, find a spot outside that gets some shade (four to six hours a day). It's best to water from the bottom during germination to avoid disturbing the seeds. In most cases, germination takes 14 to 21 days. The heirloom impatiens can be transplanted outside if the outdoor soil temperatures are constantly at 50°F and the fear of frost has passed. When choosing an outdoor planting area, opt for one that offers moderate shade and has well-draining soil. Water on a regular basis, and fertilize as needed using a general-purpose fertilizer.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom balsam impatiens, see our Impatiens Seeds Planting Guide.