It was in the early 20th century that balsam flowers were brought to Westerners from Asia. Even during the darkest days of World War II, balsam flowers maintained their enduring popularity. The emergence of the annual hybrid impatiens after World War II cut into their appeal. Many Penang florist professional and amateur gardeners are reintroducing balsam flowers despite the perennial popularity of impatiens.
Advice on Germinating Seeds
When compared to growing impatiens from seed, the time required to cultivate balsam flowers from seed is far less. Both methods are straightforward. Seed-starting mix, found at any garden center, should be used to fill the grow pot’s cells. Soil should be added until the pots are within half an inch of their rims. Allow the potting soil to soak up the water for a while. This phase is finished when the soil’s surface is wet. Don’t keep the leftover water around.
- Two seeds should be planted in each container. Lightly coat the seeds with potting soil, and then spray the surface of the soil with distilled water. Put plastic wrap directly on the pots now. The moisture will be kept in. Put the containers somewhere bright and wait for the seeds to germinate.
- Once the seeds have germinated and formed two leaves, the plastic can be removed and the trays or pots moved to a south-facing window, where they will receive the maximum sunlight. Without a south-facing window, you can cultivate the plants for 16 hours a day under a fluorescent light.
- There is some disagreement on the best way to grow balsam flowers from seed, as is the case with many topics. No matter what you decide to do, you should always use a time-release fertilizer when planting seeds or seedlings.
Balsam Maintenance
- Pick a location in the garden with wet, well-drained soil to transplant the plants. Adding compost to the soil might improve the plant’s appearance. When planting young Balsam flowers, it is important to prepare the soil by breaking it up into fine pieces. Plants should be separated by at least 18 inches as they develop into rather huge shrubs.
- To prevent powdery mildew, irrigate balsam blooms from below. The best method is a drip line or soaker hose.
- Harvest the seed pods when the growing season is over. You can save money by planting the seeds again the following year. Seeds should be kept in a sealed plastic bag and placed in a cool, dark area of the house.
- Maintenance of florist Shah Alam balsam flowers is simple. Pruning is not required. Watering the plant regularly during the summer is essential, and fertilizing it will result in a bountiful display of blooms. Take off the faded blossoms to make the plant seem better.
Uses in Medicine
The balsam plant, or its various components of it, has long been used as a cure for a variety of skin conditions. Warts and snakebites can both be treated with the juice found in the leaves. You can treat burns with the flower. To counteract the effects of poisoning, the Chinese utilize this plant medicinally. To encourage hair development, Vietnamese people use shampoo containing extract from the balsam plant.