Balsam

Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera is also known as Poor Man's Orchid, Indian Touch-Me-Not, Pink Peril, Policeman's Helmet, Ornamental Jewelweed. This genera Impatiens comes from Latin name which means impatient, referring to the explosive dispersal of seed. It is a highly invasive weed native to the Himalayan region of India found at an elevation of 4000 meters. It is thought to be naturalized throughout UK, most of Britain, Ireland, and little of British Isles.

It is the tallest annual herb of British Flora, germinating from February to March. Flowering takes place from June to October and flowers produces nectar in a high quantity. Pollinating agents are Bumblebees and wasps. Its height ranges from three to ten feet. Stems are thick, juicy, hollow, upright, purplish and tender, so they can break easily. Leaf arrangement is opposite, whorled and usually have three leaves on each node , these are simple and are oblong, ovate, elliptical in shape, size is about six inch long and half inch wide.Leaf margin is sharply serrate. Stout petiole is present at the leaf base. Solitary flowers are present at the terminal. Flowers can be single or double about two inches in diameter, they bloom singly or in a cluster. These are irregular, having five petals in which two are fused, three sepals having two of them fused together, and five stamens are with connate filaments. The flower color ranges from white to different shades of pink and purple. Fruit is five chambered, capsular in shape. Touching of ripened fruit results in their explosion liberating about 800 seeds.

Balsam Growing Conditions

Balsam is easily grown in full sun to half shade. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types which should be moist, organically rich and well-drained. This plant favors riparian and damp areas such as streams, riverbanks, wetlands and ditches. It is frost sensitive. Seeds can be sown directly without any prior preparation and these will sprout in one to two weeks and for earlier blooms these can be propagated indoors in small pots.

The potted plants may be transferred to the ground, planting them twelve to fourteen inches apart. Wilting may take place for one or two days and then the plant will develop pretty good root system. Roots develop twelve days after germination and the process of photsynthesis starts in all the green parts of the plant after four weeks of germination.

For bushier growth, young plants should be pinched back and watered regularly. This plant is irresistant to wet or cold weather so temprature should be controlled. Approximately twelve to twenty degree centigrate is the ideal temperature.

Balsam Care and Cultivation

For better growth, the soil must be enriched with compost. The transplanted plant will bloom fully only if they are regularly well watered. Weak shoots must be removed as they grow at the base hindering the growth of the plant. Plants should be placed indoors during heavy rains.

Balsam Uses

• Balsam is sold in large quantities as an ornamental plant.
• It's one of the richest source of pollen grains and nectar for bees.
• Shoot and leaves are used as food in certain communities.
• Raw seeds give a nutty flavor.
• Edible oil is also obtained from seeds.

Balsam Control

There are three important methods by which the growth of this weed can be controlled.

• Hand pulling
• Mechanical cutting
• Grazing

The main target in controlling the growth of this weed is to hinder the seed setting, so all the above three methods should be applied before the seed set. June is the month in UK for weed control. No biological agents are yet known which can remove this weed from the root. But Glyphosate, a chemical agent can be used at an early stage so as to prevent the proper growth of this weed. Now a days UK is using "balsam bashing" events in order to help control this very explosive genera.

Balsam Pictures

White balsam

Balsam flower

Balsam

Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt. - arrowleaf balsamroot

Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt. - arrowleaf balsamroot

Balsamorhiza hookeri Nutt. - Hooker's balsamroot

Related Flowers

Impatiens Balsamina

Impatiens Balsamina - arden Balsam) may be grown in the open air in warm valleys, and makes a pretty display in warm places. The plants should be raised in a frame and transplanted. Soil which is too rich should be avoided; but soil manured for a previous crop, and which has been well pulverised by forking, gives the finest flowers and a less sappy growth. Suitable for a limited area in the south only.

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