Days To Germination:  4 -10
Planting Depth:  1/16 - 1/8 inch
Spacing, Plant:   12 inches
Plant Height:  10-18 inches
Light:  Full Sun to Half Shade

SOWING: Sow seeds indoors in early spring for planting after danger of frost is past.  Or, direct sow after all danger of frost has passed.  Plant in full sun to half shade and lightly cover with 1/16 - 1/8 inch of fine soil.  Soil temperature should be at 70 F and moderately moist during germination.

THINNING AND TRANSPLANTING:  Transplant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed and weather has warmed. Space about a foot apart. If direct sowing, thin to 12 inches apart when plants are 2 inches tall.

SUGGESTIONS:  Constant but not excessive moisture is necessary.  It is best to start these seeds indoors so the soil temperature can be maintained close to 70 F.  Plants prefer a somewhat fertile well drained soil. Combines well with other shade tolerant plants (such as pansies, coleus and primrose) for brightening up those dark areas.

Balsam (Impatiens)
Camelia Flowered Mixture
Impatiens balsamina


ANNUAL. HEIRLOOM. Discovered in southeast Asia, balsam was a favorite old-fashioned flower by 1900. Compact habit. Good in sun or shade. Flowers are double, rose-like 1 1/2-2" blooms. It sprouts in only 4-5 days and flowers early, getting 10-18" tall. The narrow plants have bright green leaves and hold their camelia-type blossoms in bright mixed colors hugging the entire lenghth of the central stem. Victorian gardeners removed some leaves to better display the flowers. Camelia-shaped blooms 2" across in bright pinkish hues. Plants work well in beds, border, containers and baskets. Very useful as color spots in shady areas. Plants can also be grown in sunnier areas of the flower garden or used as a houseplant. This plant is a delightful old-fashioned addition to the garden. Will self-seed.

PLEASE NOTE: Mature plant seed pods will explode when touched or gently squeezed. This is a really neat feature of this plant and kids and adults alike are amazed and thrilled by it.