How to Grow Chinese Balsam Plant | Impatiens Balsamina Care

Want to grow a delightful annual plant that adds color and charm to any garden setting? Here’s How to Grow a Chinese Balsam Plant.

Chinese balsam is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to Asia, particularly China and India. Here is a detailed overview of Chinese Balsam.

Chinese Balsam Plant Information

The plant typically grows 30 to 90 cm and spreads about 30 to 60 cm wide. It has an upright growth habit with soft, succulent stems. The leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and arranged alternately along the branches. The foliage is typically a vibrant green color.

One of the distinctive features of Chinese Balsam is its showy flowers. The flowers are solitary or clustered in small groups and can be single or double-petaled. The petals come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, white, and bicolor. Additionally, the blooms have a spurred shape with a characteristic curved appearance.

Chinese Balsam has been classified as an invasive species in some regions, particularly North America and Europe. Its ability to self-seed and spread rapidly can lead to the displacement of native plants. To prevent potential ecological impacts, it is essential to check the local regulations and recommendations before growing Chinese balsam.

Botanical Name: Impatiens balsamina

Common Name: Touch-Me-Not, Garden Balsam, Camellia Balsam, Garden Jewelweed

Here are some common names for the Chinese Balsam plant in various Indian languages:

Hindi: माल्टी (Malati)
Tamil: குடைப்பூண்டிக்கி (Kudaippundikki)
Telugu: పొట్లగడ్డ (Potlagadda)
Kannada: ಮೆಲೆಮರ (Mele Mara)
Malayalam: മലട്ടിപ്പൂ (Malattipoo)
Bengali: কাঁচা পাত (Kacha Pat)
Marathi: मॅन्जर (Manjar)
Gujarati: મેન્જર (Menjar)
Punjabi: ਮਾਲਟੀ (Malati)
Odia: ଗିଲାଡା (Gilada)

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How to Grow Chinese Balsam Plant?

Growing Chinese Balsam Plants from seeds is a straightforward process:

1. Seed Collection: Firstly, obtain seeds from mature Chinese balsam plants. Look for brown, split seed pods and gently collect the seeds.
2. Prepare Soil: Use well-draining, organic-rich soil for seed starting. Mix potting soil and perlite in equal parts. No need to cover the tiny seeds.
3. Planting: Fill trays or pots with the soil mix, moisten it, and sow the seeds. Keep them in a warm location (18-24°C) with consistent moisture.
4. Transplant Seedlings: When seedlings have true leaves and reach 5-8 cm, transplant them into well-draining soil in your garden or pots.
5. Care: Encourage bushy growth by pinching back growing tips. Deadhead faded flowers for prolonged blooming and to prevent self-seeding.

Requirements to Grow Chinese Balsam Plant

Sunlight

The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. It prefers receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Additionally, providing the plant with adequate sunlight ensures robust growth and abundant flowering.

Soil

Chinese Balsam Plant prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The soil should retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for optimal growth.

You can improve your soil by incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure if your soil is heavy or poorly drained.

Water

Chinese Balsam requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plants deeply, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

On the other hand, do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Monitor the moisture levels and adjust the watering frequency according to the weather conditions.

Temperature

They prefer moderate temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 15-27°C. While it can tolerate higher temperatures, it may suffer in extreme heat. Protect the plants from prolonged exposure to scorching afternoon sun and provide shade during hot summer days.

Chinese Balsam Plant Care

Fertilizer

Chinese Balsam Plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble, or slow-release granular fertilizer per the package instructions. Start fertilizing the plants about a month after planting and continue every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.

Pruning

They do not require extensive pruning. However, pinching back the growing tips or lightly trimming the plants can promote branching, resulting in a bushier growth habit. Pinch or cut the ends regularly to control the height and encourage lateral growth.

Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s overall appearance.

Pests and Diseases

Chinese Balsam is generally not highly susceptible to pest infestations. However, it may occasionally encounter common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. It is relatively resistant to diseases.

However, it can occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plants by providing adequate spacing. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal growth.

Benefits of Chinese Balsam Plant

• It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, flower beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Its vibrant and colorful flowers add beauty and charm to any landscape.
• The attractive blooms of the Chinese Balsam Plant make it suitable for cut flower arrangements. The long-lasting flowers can be cut and displayed in vases or used in floral designs.
• The flowers of Chinese Balsam are rich in nectar and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Growing Chinese balsam in your garden can help support the local pollinator population and promote biodiversity.
• In traditional medicine systems, various parts of Chinese Balsam, such as leaves and stems, are used for their potential medicinal properties. The plant is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It has been used in folk remedies to treat skin disorders, burns, and wounds.
• While it is primarily grown for its ornamental value, the plant’s young leaves and tender shoots can be consumed. They can be added to salads, soups, or stir-fries, providing a mild and slightly tangy flavor.
• Chinese Balsam flowers can be used as a natural dye source. The petals, when boiled, release a reddish-purple dye that can be used for coloring textiles, yarn, or paper.
• The colorful flowers of this plant can be used in various craft projects and floral decorations. They can be dried and preserved in wreaths, potpourri, or pressed flower art.

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