Impatiens balsamina (balsam)
Posted: July 13th, 2013, 7:18 pm
| Botanical Name | Impatiens balsamina |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
| Specie | balsamina |
| Local Name in Urdu | |
| Common Name | Balsam |
| Life Cycle | Annuals |
| Cultivar Name | |
| Fragrant or Not | No |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | small plant |
| Height | 12-36 in |
| Spacing | 12-15 in. |
| Flowering Months | summer |
| Flower Color | Pink Red Coral/Apricot Orange Red-Orange Purple White/Near White |
| Growing Areas | all Pakistan |
| Frost Tender | No |
| Exposure | Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil pH | tolerent |
| Propagation | by seeds |
| Uses | ornamental plant |
| Other Details | This species of impatiens is a true annual. It is easily grown in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade. This plant has seed capsules that spring open forcibly as the seed ripens to eject the seed a considerable distance. The capsules are sensitive to touch even before the seed is ripe, making seed collection difficult but fun.Plant grows and blooms during summers and beginnings of rains. The balsam plant does not tolerate more water and grows best in hard and firm soil. The roots spread fast and cover the ground and are not very deep. The plant grows best on slopes and borders of any landscape. The balsam plants are selected for the colourful show they give. The seed pods when matured will burst open anytime and hence you have to collect the seeds when the pod looks mature and on touch they burst open scattering seeds. The seeds can be grown like any other plant grown from seed using small containers and having damp soil at first producing a high moisture environment. Avoid over watering and have a well draining soil. The plant also will benefit when grown in conditions where it receives sunlight for few hours of the day. The balsam plants flower in many colours and the pink, magenta and red being the most sought after colours by gardeners.. |
