Balsam

Native to Southeast Asia, this erect, sparsely-branched, tender annual plant is a species of impatiens. These plants which grows upto 18inches tall have thick-juicy stems and medium spiky edged light green leaves. Flowers can be single or double around 2 inches diameter, bloom singly or in small clusters from the leaf axils, close to the stem and the colour ranges from white, pink, rose, red, violet, bicolour etc.

Balsams can easily grown in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to half shade. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden and it will sprout in one to two weeks or they can be started indoors in small pots to stall full growth and make them more compact and for earlier blooms. The plants may self-seed in the garden. Enrich the soil with compost and transplant in ground 12 to 14 inches apart or in pots. After transplanting the plants may wilt for a day or two. They develop good root systems and may be transplanted even in full bloom, but afterwards they should be well watered.

They can be planted as borders or low hedges. For balsams, there is no serious insect or disease problems. For bushier growth, pinch back young plants and water regularly. Remove weak shoots which form at the base of the plants. Plants with three or four shoots bloom better than those with many shoots. Balsam does not tolerate wet or cold weather. They can be placed indoors during heavy rains.