Topknot Mix Balsam arranged in a basket and on a white background.
A close-up view of the white, purple, pink and red Topknot Mix Balsam flowers with foliage.
An arrangement of Topknot Mix Balsam flowers in a basket surrounded by blooms on a white background.
A close-up a bee with pink flowers growing in the Topknot Mix Balsam section of the greenhouse.
A close-up macro view of a white bloom within the Topknot Mix Balsam.
A close-up of red flowers from the Topknot Mix Balsam on the plant.
Topknot Mix Balsam arranged in a basket and on a white background.
A close-up view of the white, purple, pink and red Topknot Mix Balsam flowers with foliage.
An arrangement of Topknot Mix Balsam flowers in a basket surrounded by blooms on a white background.
A close-up a bee with pink flowers growing in the Topknot Mix Balsam section of the greenhouse.
A close-up macro view of a white bloom within the Topknot Mix Balsam.
A close-up of red flowers from the Topknot Mix Balsam on the plant.

Balsam Seeds,
Topknot Mix

52 ReviewsSKU: #FL1048Min. seed count: 25
Price
Regular price $4.75
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Description

Double to super double camellia/rose-like blossom. Our goal is to bring back as many as possible of these historic balsams of the 19th century, when they were all the rage. Today, however, they have all but disappeared from modern gardens. We aim to change that!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Impatiens balsamina
Life Cycle
Annual
Days to Germinate
7–15
Days to Maturity
60–70
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–75°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Topknot Mix indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost date, pressing the seed onto the surface of moist mix and leaving it uncovered, since balsam needs light to germinate. A humidity dome helps keep everything consistently moist while they come up, which takes about 7 to 15 days. Balsam is not frost hardy, so move plants outdoors once frost is past, and set them 12 to 24 inches apart in moist, well-drained soil. The double to super double camellia-like blossoms follow in roughly 60 to 70 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 10-15 days.
  • Sow indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Cover seeds with a light dusting of soil.
  • A humidity dome will help to keep plants consistently moist.

How to Grow

  • Provide moist, well-drained soil.
  • Plants tolerate sun but prefer part shade.
  • Space plants 12 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Balsam is fairly pest-free; however, powdery mildew can be a problem if the foliage is consistently too wet. Avoid overhead watering; drip irrigation will help to avoid excess moisture on foliage.

How to Save Seeds

  • Balsam is nicknamed "Touch-Me-Not" for its exploding seed pods. When the seeds are ripe, the pods will burst open and fling seeds across the garden.
  • To avoid this scattering of seeds, simply place a small breathable bag (cheesecloth is best) over blooms after they have dropped their petals and begun to turn yellow.
  • After seeds explode in the bag, gently remove the bag and store the seeds for next season. Seeds remain viable for up to 2 years.

FAQ

Does Topknot Mix balsam need full sun or shade?

Plants tolerate sun but prefer part shade. Balsam is grown as an ornamental for beds, borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

How do I avoid powdery mildew on balsam?

Balsam is fairly pest-free, but powdery mildew can be a problem if the foliage stays too wet. Avoid overhead watering; drip irrigation helps keep moisture off the leaves.

Why is balsam called "Touch-Me-Not," and how do I save seed from it?

Ripe pods burst open and fling seed across the garden. To catch it, slip a small breathable bag such as cheesecloth over blooms after they drop their petals and begin to yellow, then gently remove the bag once the seeds have exploded into it. Stored seed stays viable for up to 2 years.
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