Plant Encyclopedia: Balsam

Must Know Plant Care Tips: Balsam are fairly easy to maintain and fairly forgiving. You can buy plants or grow easily from seed, starting indoors about 8 weeks before your usual last frost. Plan on waiting about 60 days from seeding to see your first blooms. Don’t cover seeds with soil, since the light will help germination. When planting outdoors, place them about 1 foot apart in groups of 5 to 7 plants, or more. A time release fertilizer should be given at the time of transplanting, when the plants are at least 2 inches tall with strong roots.

Plant Problem Solver: Balsam resists a lot of the most common garden pests, but may be bothered by powdery mildew, soil nematodes, or other problems. However, these issues are usually pretty infrequent. Watering at ground level, such as with a drip system, will help prevent mildew. Balsam will grow well in containers as long as they have good drainage and are given adequate moisture. At the end of the season, collect the seed pods for the following year. Let them dry and store in a closed plastic bag or jar in a cool, dark space.

Pretty Pairings: Try planting balsam with impatience, sweet potato vine, or coleus.