Camilia Flowered Mix Impatiens Balsam Seeds

Impatiens are originally from south-east Asia, which is where most species are from. This old-fashioned relative to the garden impatiens was introduced to Europe trough the Silk Road and it became a popular ornamental flower, especially in Victorian gardens.

Camilia Flowered Mix was most likely introduced sometime during the late 1700s, as it was mentioned in a seed list dating to 1820. Its popularity grew in North American gardens until the arrival of hybrid varieties in the early 1900s that made balsam rarer over time.

Balsam Camilia Flowered Mix is an easy-to-grow branching annual that will self-sow in most climates. Reaching 18 to 24 inches in height at maturity, this low-lying plant may be paired with taller species in the foreground. The sturdy stems bear camellia-shaped double-blooms that come in an array of colours, ranging from salmon pink to scarlet red, fuchsia, white and more.

Impatiens Balsam are hardy plants that can withstand high wind and they are tolerant to humid conditions and to both sunny and shady conditions, but a nice afternoon’s shade provide the best results. Beloved by honeybees and bumble bees, this beautiful old-time heirloom adapts beautifully to beds, borders and containers.

- Latin Name: Impatiens balsamina
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 90
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 25-45 cm
- Growth Habit: 60 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

A pretty and popular annual, impatiens balsam go great in containers, garden beds and as houseplants. Their vivid blooms are abundant, even while growing in shaded spaces. Different varieties offer a range of colours, from white, pink, red, violet, purple and yellow. In cold regions, late-spring is the perfect time to plant impatiens. They’ll grow quickly and be blooming by the summer along with other flowers.

Six to ten weeks before the last frost, seeds can be started indoors. Plant seeds 1 cm deep in flats or separate pots. Cover with soil, water well and cover the top with plastic wrap. When seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and move the trays or pots to a sunny location or under lights for 16 hours a day. After the danger of frost has passed, move seeds outdoors and gradually harden them off to prepare for transplanting.

Impatiens balsam will grow in partial shade, but really show their value while blooming beautifully in full shade. They will need frequent watering, so the soil should be well-draining. Compost can be added to provide nutrients and to loosen the soil. Impatiens will need 5 cm of water per week. If temperatures reach above 26 degrees consistently, give them 10 cm per week. Impatiens in containers will need daily watering during heat waves. Sensitive to heat, don’t be alarmed to see your impatiens wilted in high temperatures, just give some water to perk them up.

Feed impatiens regularly, every two weeks throughout the flowering season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. If the plants get leggy in the summer, clip off the top third of the foliage to fortify the structure, improve the appearance and encourage more blooming. Try growing impatiens in all your shady spots, wherever there is warm, well-drained soil.

Impatiens balsam are not only one of the most prominent flowers for the garden bed, but their versatility can be showcased by planting them in containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. Balsam can easily self-seed, even in cold climates. The freshly dropped seeds are fertile, but may take a while to establish and flower. To salvage impatiens, bring them indoors to overwinter. Otherwise, the tropical plant will perish after a touch of frost. 

QUICK FACTS

- Balsam Impatiens are also sometimes called ‘’ Balsamine,’’ ''Garden Balsam,‘’ Lady’s Slippers’’ or ‘’Jumping Betty,’’ referring to the seeds that are ready to explode from their seed pods when touched.

- Thomas Jefferson is credited with being the first to cultivate Impatiens Balsam in the U.S. in 1767.

- It has long been said that older seeds of balsam produce a higher rate of double-blooms.

- Impatiens Balsam seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.