Balsam garden fashionista. Growing garden balsam. Seed preparation
Balsam garden - a plant of the Balsam family. Its most common names are “Vanka wet” and “Touchless”. The second is due to the fact that during maturation, even from a light touch, the plant bursts and scatters the seeds. In the middle latitudes of Russia, garden balsam is grown simultaneously as an annual and perennial plant. The birthplace of balsam is China. Planting and care, according to some gardeners, is a rather burdensome business. The plant requires special attention. Balsam is used in folk medicine, although it is considered poisonous. He received special distribution in landscape design.
Garden balsam: types, varieties and photos
In horticulture, approximately 400 varieties of both annual and perennial balsams are known. They are classified as cultivated and ornamental plants.
- Balsam garden- the most famous type. In fact, this is a perennial plant, but because of its frost resistance, it is grown outdoors as an annual. It has pointed petals, the color of which includes almost the entire color palette. No wonder this plant is called "light". In apartments and other enclosed spaces, it can grow for more than 2 years. There are not very many varieties of balsam: Camellia Flowered, Baby Bush and That Thumb.
- Balsam Waller- a bright plant that grows all year round. It has a memorable color of flowers that cover the entire surface of the balsam. Flowering occurs from June until frost. Before frost, it is desirable to transfer it to the house. The most common varieties are noted - Stardust, Frosty, Symphony and many others.
- New Guinean- perennial, a hybrid obtained as a result of selection of Hawker's balsam with some species. It has a full stem, and its height reaches half a meter. Among the varieties of this type of balsam, "Harmony", "Divaro", "Mini Jini", "Java", "Jungle Rain", "Macarena" and "RainforestExotic" are distinguished.
Balsam Planting
It is possible to plant a plant both in a pot and in open ground. It is carried out mainly by seeds. Although you can buy an already adult plant.
Advice. Balsams prefer slightly acidic soil, so add peat before planting in a pot.
Germination of the plant is high quality. Planting is carried out one seed in a separate pot.
- Within 3 weeks after planting, the plant must be kept at home.
- After the emergence of seedlings, the balsam must be transferred to a cool place, for example, to a loggia.
- When the plant reaches 5 cm in height, it should be transplanted into a separate pot or open ground.
- The root should be pinched off a little. This is done to stimulate root development.
- Balsam is planted in shallow pits, slightly crushing the soil.
- Loosen the soil around the plant. In order for the plant to be lush and grow better, the top of the head should be cut off.
Care for the "touchy"
All types of balsams are sun-loving plants. In the summer, they are planted in open ground.
Planting is carried out no earlier than June, so that the plant can acclimatize.
Advice. The best option for balsam in the open field is partial shade.
In the winter season, the perennial needs additional lighting. With its lack or absence, balsams cease to bloom.
The main problem in plant care is the need to comply with the temperature regime. The optimum temperature for it in summer is from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, in winter from 13 to 16. Frequent drops negatively affect the plant.
In the summer, watering the balsam should be plentiful, and in the autumn-winter - infrequent. When watering, it is important to remember the balance: the plant should not be dry or too wet, as this leads to root rot.
Fertilizers are used exclusively in summer 1 time in 14 days. In winter, the perennial is fertilized only if it blooms. In this case, mineral fertilizers are suitable.
Plant propagation
Reproduction of balsam can be done in two ways.
- Seeds. The plant has high germination characteristics. Sowing is best done in the spring. Balsam seeds are soaked in advance in warm water for 10 minutes.
- cuttings. The cut tops of the plant up to 5 cm long are lowered into the water until the roots appear. Do this, like sowing seeds, in the spring. The process is fast and effortless. To improve the development of the bush, the cuttings should be pinched.
Dangers: diseases and pests
Like many representatives of the flora, balsam is susceptible to disease and insect attack.
- Rot is a consequence of abundant watering in the cold season. To prevent the appearance of rot, water should not be allowed to stagnate in the soil or pot.
- The spider mite is a serious enemy for the touchy. Modern chemicals will help to exterminate the pest.
- The whitefly is also a nasty pest. Leaf fall is the result of her work. The fight against this unpleasant insect takes place with the help of some chemicals.
Floral arrangements or combinations with plants
Gardeners prefer to plant balsam in group plantings. It goes great with begonias and bluebells. Someone likes the composition of balsam with violets. Balsam looks interesting in company with boxwood.
"Roly wet" is widely used in landscape design. It is used for decorating alpine slides, flower beds. Garden balsam is also used to decorate borders and create mixboxers.
Garden balsam is an annual that, with careful care, can become a perennial plant. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Planting, propagating and caring for a plant may seem rather difficult for some. But the beauty of the annual and its fabulous flowers-lights compensate for everything in full.
Growing garden balsam: video
Balsam garden: photo
Balsam is one of the most popular indoor plants in many countries of the world. In Russia, it is often called capricious and Vanka wet, for the droplets of liquid that stand out along the edge of the leaves, and also touchy - for the property of seeds to scatter at the slightest touch. The British have a different name in use - “zealous Lisa”, for the long and abundant flowering of the bushes, and the inhabitants of Austria call the balsam “a beautiful wreath”. The plant is very unpretentious, and any novice grower can grow it from seeds at home.
This plant is a branching shrub from 25 cm to 1 m tall. Some annual species reach two meters in height and are grown in open ground. The stems of the balsam are juicy, very fleshy, light green in color. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, may be entire or with a serrated edge. Balsam is valued for its flowers, which can be simple and double, rose-shaped, with the shape of a carnation or camellia. The most common color of the petals is from rich red to soft pink and lilac, there are also varieties with white flowers and two-tone.
This indoor plant feels great outdoors in the warm season, and many grow it in the summer not only in flowerpots, but also in flower beds.
In good conditions, balsam is able to bloom profusely all year round, forming many single flowers or loose inflorescences, depending on the variety. This culture is very photophilous, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight affects it detrimentally. The best place for flowerpots are window sills on the west and east sides. When landing on a flower bed, it is necessary to select a site that is in the shade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It can also be planted in partial shade, but always in a place protected from the wind.
Growing a flower from seed
Selection of planting material
There are a huge number of varieties and hybrids of balsam, and when choosing seeds it is very difficult to stop at just one. To avoid disappointment, remember a few simple rules:
- annual balsams are more suitable for decorating a balcony or flower bed in the summer; perennials should be chosen for growing indoors;
- if you plan to propagate flowers from your own seeds in the future, do not buy hybrid varieties;
- to get plants with flowers of the desired shape and color, you should not purchase a mixture of varieties, buy only separately;
- when buying, pay attention to the timing of the collection of seeds. Seeds remain viable for 7-8 years, but the fresher they are, the better.
Sowing preparation
When growing balsam at home, planting dates do not matter much, but if you plan to decorate a balcony with flowers in the summer, you need to sow in mid-February. Seeds must first be disinfected. To do this, potassium permanganate is diluted in warm water to a light purple color and the seeds are dipped for about 10 minutes. Then the potassium permanganate solution is drained, and the seeds are poured with clean warm water and left for a day.
You can take purchased soil for indoor plants or make the soil mixture yourself:
- 1 part of garden land;
- 2 parts of peat;
- 1 part vermiculite;
- 1 part coarse sand.
You can take only peat and vermiculite in equal parts, if it is not possible to collect garden soil.
The finished substrate must be heated in the oven for a couple of hours to destroy all harmful microorganisms. It also does not hurt to disinfect the purchased soil by adding a little sand for greater friability. After that, the earth is shed with a solution of "Fitosporin", intended to improve the microflora. In addition, this solution reduces the risk of blackleg development in seedlings.
Seeding process
Step 1. For seedlings, you will need a wide pot or box about 7-8 cm high. Expanded clay or fine gravel is poured onto the bottom for drainage at least 2 cm thick. Then the container is filled with prepared soil.
Step 2 Spread the swollen seeds over the surface, being careful not to sow too thickly. Since they are very small, it is most convenient to do this with the tip of a toothpick. Each seed should be lightly pressed to the soil, but not immersed deeply.
You can plant balsam in peat tablets
Step 3 Using a spray gun, the surface of the substrate with the spread out seeds is well moistened, after which the box is placed in a transparent plastic bag. The bag does not need to be pressed too tightly, let some air remain in it.
Step 4 The packed container is placed on the windowsill so that the surface is well lit, but protected from direct rays. The room temperature must be maintained within +22 ... +25 °C.
Growing seedlings
The first sprouts are shown after 17-20 days, subject to constant temperature and humidity. As soon as single shoots appear, the bag is slightly opened for ventilation, the accumulated condensate is gently shaken off so that moisture does not get on the sprouts. This must be done daily in the morning and evening, otherwise the seedlings will be affected by the fungus from excess moisture.
After 5-6 days, when all the seeds sprout, the bag is completely removed from the box, and the soil is moistened with a spray bottle. In the morning and evening hours, as well as in cloudy weather, you need to turn on the fitolamp and illuminate the seedlings, otherwise their development will be disturbed. Periodically, you will have to pour a wet substrate on the roots emerging from the soil. When watering, it is best to pour water into the pan so that the root collars of the sprouts remain dry and do not rot.
Picking seedlings
Seedlings one and a half centimeters high and with two real leaves can already be dived into separate cups. The soil is taken the same as at the beginning, be sure to pour drainage to the bottom. Elongated plants, when picking, are buried in the substrate a little more than the rest. After transplanting, the seedlings quickly adapt and begin to grow vigorously, but with sufficient light, humidity and heat. A week after picking, you should pinch the tops - this will cause the formation of additional shoots, which will subsequently affect the decorativeness of the bush.
Transplanting into flowerpots
Plants are planted in flowerpots or containers for permanent cultivation after they form a small bush, and their roots will braid the entire earthen clod.
The containers must be taken spacious enough so that the balsam can freely grow in them for several years. The soil substrate is prepared in the same way as for seedlings, but the drainage layer is made a little thicker - from 3 to 5 cm. After transplantation, it is no longer necessary to illuminate the plants, the main thing is to regularly water and spray the bushes. Balsam can be taken out into the open air at the end of May, when it is warm. Already in June it will be possible to admire the first flowers.
Balsam care at home
Caring for mature plants is not at all difficult. Balsam tolerates heat well, and if it is shaded from the sun in a timely manner, the bush develops actively and blooms profusely almost without interruption. The temperature regime should not change too abruptly, therefore, with the onset of autumn, flowerpots must be brought into the house without waiting for a cold snap. In winter, plants grow normally at a lower temperature, but it is desirable that it does not fall below 12 degrees. The balsam does not have a dormant period, and from October to March it needs additional lighting. Without this, the bush will not bloom.
Fertilizing the plant with complex fertilizers is of great importance. For the first time, the bushes are fed after planting in permanent pots, and then fertilizers are applied regularly every two weeks until October. It is recommended to use a half dose of fertilizer. With an excess of nutrients, the stems grow, become more brittle, and the formation of buds stops.
It is desirable to water the balsam with settled water at room temperature. In the warm season, plants are watered more often and more abundantly, in winter only as the soil dries. If the air in the house is very dry, spraying the leaves is additionally required.
The bush needs to be pruned annually to encourage the growth of new shoots. When the roots become crowded, the plant is transplanted into a larger flowerpot or the bush is divided. The best time for this is mid-spring. To propagate the flower you like, you can cut cuttings up to 6 cm long from the tops of the stems and root them in water. This method is considered the fastest and most convenient.
Balsam is susceptible to fungal diseases, rot and bacteriosis. The main reason for their development is excessive watering, lack of air and lighting, thickening of the bush. In addition, aphids and whiteflies attack the plants, and the spider mite is considered the main pest. The treatment of bushes with protective preparations, for example, Alirin, Gliocladin and others, helps to get rid of these problems.
How to collect seeds yourself
Reproduction of balsam by seeds requires more time and patience than rooting cuttings, however, many gardeners prefer this particular method. In order for the seeds to ripen on the plant, the flowers need pollination. The easiest way is to expose the bushes to the open air, where bright flowers will immediately attract insects. In room conditions, pollination is carried out artificially, using a thin brush for painting. With a brush, they carefully collect pollen and spread it with light strokes over the pistils of flowers.
After some time, a small green fruit will form in place of the flower, which, as it ripens, will begin to turn into a dry translucent box. Ripe boxes burst even at the slightest touch, and the seeds scatter in all directions. Experienced flower growers recommend that in the evening it is easy to spray the bush with water, and in the morning, while the boxes are still a little wet, gently pick them from the stems. After that, the seeds are dried and poured into storage in a paper bag.
Video - Balsam: growing from seeds at home
Video - Balsam: cultivation and care
Video - Balsam Care
Balsam garden - one of the most famous varieties of the balsam family. A resident of the tropics and subtropics, he was brought to Europe at the end of the 16th century and perfectly mastered in room conditions. And then, thanks to unpretentiousness, long-term abundant flowering, brightness and easy acclimatization, it quickly gained popularity as an open ground ornamental crop. For the effective cultivation of garden balsam from seeds at home, many popular varieties are suitable - Camellia, Fashionista, Elizabeth, New Guinea, Safari, Strawberry with Cream and others.
For its fragility, it was popularly called "Touchless", for its brightness - "Spark", and for its moisture-loving and "sweaty" leaves - "Vanka is wet".
general description
A long-flowering branchy plant with an upright fleshy stem 25-50 cm high (in some cases up to 70 cm). The leaves are fleshy, toothed, in the axils of which flowers are formed, and then - many-sided fruit boxes with seeds. At the slightest touch, its leaves open, throwing seeds at a distance of up to 2 m. Hybrid forms are distinguished by double flowers of various shades, except for yellow and blue. In the natural environment and as a houseplant, it is a perennial, however, in open ground conditions it is grown as an annual crop.
In the language of flowers, it corresponds to the meaning of "inequality". Presenting bouquets with balsams to ladies of high society was prescribed for gentlemen of ignoble origin.
Classification
In natural conditions, there are more than 400 varieties of balsam. Few of them are suitable for landscape gardening in the harsh conditions of the middle lane. In addition, breeders have bred special varieties called garden varieties. Garden varieties are classified according to several characteristics, the main among which is the degree of their hybridization. Among them are the following three groups.
These are low natural specimens in the form in which they are found in nature. They have typical external signs, a spreading bush and simple flowers of medium size, predominantly pink and red.
Waller F1 hybrids
In the language of breeders - the first order of direct crossing of natural varieties. All varieties of this group were obtained as a result of manual pollination of parental lines (heterosis). Waller's hybrid balsam is easy to grow from seed at home or outdoors (OG). You can buy them today in a wide range of colors (white, crimson, beige, orange, purple, blood-burgundy, etc.). Variegated varieties are also commercially available.
New Guinea Series
The result of complex selection based on several varieties. The tallest bushes and the highest decorative effect. The buds are large, the foliage can be emerald green or muted silver, sometimes with colored streaks. Large palette of colors. The flowers are terry, pronouncedly decorative, characteristically located above the leaf mass, which creates the effect of a bouquet.
In landscape design, it is rational to place specimens of the third group behind shorter flowering plants.
Growing from seeds at home
Garden balsams have a docile "character" and are not difficult to breed. However, their basic requirements must be met. The seedling method allows you to get earlier flowering. Sowing is carried out in February - the first half of March, depending on the region.
Seed preparation
Not mandatory, but desirable step. Seeds are disinfected in a slightly pink manganese solution for about 10 minutes. After that, they are placed in a flat container with warm water until sprouts appear. The depth of immersion should correspond to their size. The container is covered with glass or film and placed in a warm place where the water does not cool below 18-20C.
Soil composition
The composition of the soil mixture should ensure its lightness and breathability: mixed in equal amounts of peat, coarse sand and fertile leafy soil (can be replaced with fertile garden soil). For better subsequent acclimatization, it is desirable to add some soil to the composition from the area where landing in the exhaust gas is supposed. You can also use any ready-made seedling substrate. Optimal pH=6.
Sowing seeds
The plant is sensitive to light, which is why the seeds can be left uncovered on the surface of the prepared soil, pressing them well. However, practice shows that they germinate just as well both shallow in the ground and in wet tissue. Planting is well moistened with warm water from a spray bottle, covered with either glass or plastic wrap and placed in a well-heated place without drafts. Shoots can be expected in 7-10 days, but later germination is possible. Daily ventilation is required.
After germination, it is important that the mini-greenhouse is well lit. Further care of seedlings is similar to adult plants.
It is always recommended to start growing garden balsams from seeds in the spring, even if they will grow in a room. As a last resort - in the first half of summer.
Dive and landing in the OG
As soon as the third true leaf is formed on the bushes, they are transplanted into separate seedling containers. And after 6-8 leaves, you need to pinch the top so that the plant forms more lush and gives a stronger root system. Landing in the exhaust gas is carried out not earlier than stable warm nights are established.
seedless way
You can grow this flowering crop with seeds in open ground. When to plant garden balsam in this case depends on regional climatic features. You can start sowing as soon as the risk of returning frosts has completely passed. Seedlings and flowering in this case will be later. But, if they did not appear after 21 days, the inoculum should be considered unsuitable. A film or acrylic shelter will help the shoots of wet Vanka to survive small short-term drops in temperature. The technique of landing and diving is similar to the room version.
When grown in containers, the best flowering will be given by those plants that will be slightly crowded in them.
Garden balsam care
The rules of agricultural technology for Impatiens are simple and do not require special skills, but since this is a tropical guest, he has certain requirements for heat, light and moisture.
illumination
With all the love of balsams for light, direct sunlight at midday hours is detrimental to their tender and juicy leaves due to unacceptably intense evaporation of moisture. The ideal option is a light openwork shadow. When growing at home, windows to the east or west are preferred. In the absence of drafts, they feel good in warm rooms and on northern windows. When placing windows with a southern exposure on the windowsills, it is necessary to take care of light shading from active sunlight from 12 to 17 hours.
When wintering at room conditions, you need to take care of additional lighting, since this flower culture does not have a pronounced seasonal dormant period.
Moisture Requirements
The popular name of the flower Vanka wet speaks for itself - it is picky about moisture and can suffer from dry air, especially in rooms with central heating. Regular spraying and placement near a pan with water, wet expanded clay or moss during abundant flowering will greatly improve his well-being. With good hydration, it can survive even the most intense heat. When the air temperature drops below 22C, its dryness no longer matters.
Watering is done immediately after the topsoil dries up or no later than the second day. The water should not be too cold.
Excessive drying of the substrate leads to the fall of the buds, and its waterlogging leads to disease and decay. Camellia balsam is especially sensitive to excess moisture.
Temperature regime
In summer, the optimum temperature is 20-25C. In winter, Ogonyok needs cooler conditions, but not lower than 12-15C. The disadvantages of heat can be compensated by good lighting. Lack of light in addition to too cool air will cause poor flowering and eventually lead to overgrowth and death of the flower.
top dressing
Fertilize garden balsam should be from spring to autumn. Do this after watering with a frequency of 1-2 times a month with any complex top dressing in their half dose. In winter, it is permissible to apply mineral fertilizers in a low concentration, but only after it has faded or has already formed buds.
pruning
Proper pruning helps more abundant flowering. Negative factors for the appearance are frequent transplants and cold dry air. The shoot should be pinched as soon as it has reached the desired height. You can do this once, or you can periodically cut off old or thickening layers, which will contribute to bright and abundant flowering.
Perennial balsams are pruned after wintering to half the shoots.
Transfer
Perennials of this family need an annual transplant with a slight increase in capacity. You can carry it out by simple transshipment, not forgetting to take care of good drainage.
Containers for a flower should not be wide and flat, this contradicts its root system and impairs drainage properties.
Subject to these simple rules, the flowering of balsams at home can be almost year-round. The exception is summer varieties - a group of this family, which gives buds exclusively in the warm season and is ideal for landscape gardening and decoration of balconies, terraces and garden arbors.
Garden balsam is one of the favorite plants of flower growers, because it is not only extremely easy to care for and reproduce, but also attractive in appearance. The scope of the plant is quite wide: with its help, balconies are planted with greenery, they are decorated and even used for cutting, because it retains the brightness and beauty of the flower for a long time. If you decide to start growing garden balsam, you can be sure that you will not encounter any difficulties along the way, regardless of whether you have experience in this area.
Conditions for growing balsam
Balsam is a heat-loving crop that reacts extremely negatively to strong winds and sudden changes in ambient temperature. Therefore, when choosing a place for landing, preference should be given to open areas with plenty of sun and natural shade. Light partial shade is also allowed.
The more often you loosen the ground, the more abundant and brighter the flowering of balsam will be. The plant loves not only, but also regular spraying of leaves, which is simply vital for it when the ambient temperature is high enough and there is such a factor as dry wind. In general, garden balsam for planting and care is not too capricious, which can be clearly seen in the photo. Subject to elementary conditions, the plant thanks the grower with a bright and attractive appearance.
Be careful when feeding balsam. The plant has one feature: with an excessive amount of certain substances in the soil, the leaves may turn yellow or even fall off, which, of course, will reduce attractiveness. Also, an excess of fertilizer can slow down flowering and prevent the normal development of the bush itself. To avoid this, carefully study the instructions for complex fertilizers and use a dose that is half the recommended one.
How to grow balsam from seeds?
The plant is an annual, and therefore you should take care in advance to provide yourself with planting material. In addition, there are a fairly large number of flower varieties, each of which deserves the attention of flower growers. The issue of growing balsam from seeds always remains relevant, because it is much easier to exchange seeds of new varieties or purchase them than to find a cutting of a suitable plant.
The seeds of the plant are large, while they have one important advantage over the seeds of other flower crops: their germination lasts up to eight years. Collected seeds (or purchased) in February can already be sown for seedlings - in this case, the plants will be larger and flowering will begin earlier.
If the early flowering of garden balsam is not too important for you, growing from seeds can be done without seedlings, directly into the ground. This should be done only after stable heat is established. As a rule, under favorable conditions, the first shoots appear after 7-10 days.
In order to increase the germination of balsam seeds, treat the soil with a fungicide before planting!
The ambient temperature for favorable growth should be at least 19-20 degrees. If weather conditions worsen after planting the seeds, cover the area with a film or each hole separately with a cut plastic bottle.
Propagation of balsam by cuttings
If you want to breed a plant during its active growth and flowering, not wanting to wait for the collection of seeds and the next year to plant them, follow a few simple steps:
- choose the most beautiful and strong plant;
- cut off its top;
- plant the taken cutting under the film, using sand or vermiculite for this;
- after a week, transplant the cutting with the resulting roots into the ground or into a pot with.
If you want to get the maximum number of cuttings, choose one plant and place it (along with a piece of soil, of course) in a darkened room for several days.
From a lack of light, the shoots will stretch out, and you will be able to dilute more balsam. To do this, you will need to cut off all the elongated shoots, peel them from the lower leaves and place them in a transparent container with clean boiled water. After a few days, you will notice the appearance of roots, which is proof that such cuttings are ready to be transplanted into the ground.
As you can see, balsam care at home is quite simple. In winter, you only plant seedlings, although you can do without it. In the spring, make sure that the plants are planted correctly, and then enjoy the magnificent flowering all summer, not forgetting to water the plants in a timely manner, spray their leaves, carry out the necessary top dressing and loosen the soil.
Video about growing Waller's balsam from seeds
Balsam garden - the most interesting and easy plant in culture. Suitable for hanging baskets, flower beds, flowerpots, containers. As a greenhouse plant, it appeared in Europe, and then migrated to Russia. A fragile, attractive flower appeared on the windows of our great-grandmothers back in the 19th century. They fell in love with him for his unpretentiousness and brightness, and they especially called him - Spark.
It bloomed almost all year round, decorating modest window sills with embroidered curtains. And in Europe since the 16th century it has been one of the most popular indoor plants. In England, it is called "Diligent Lisa" for its long and abundant flowering. Blooming walls are arranged from it. In the 20th century, many new hybrids and varieties of various colors and shapes have appeared that attract the attention of flower growers. Chic-flowering spherical bushes adorn home gardens all summer. And in the fall they move into houses and continue to delight their owners with flowering.
Growing garden balsam from seeds at home
In order to obtain a large number of plants, propagation by seeds is recommended, although the characteristics of the mother plant are not always transmitted.
- Sowing is carried out in the spring, sprinkling the seeds with a thin layer of light fertile soil, placing the container in a warm, dark place until germination.
- Seeing green sprouts, slightly increase the illumination by rearranging the container with seedlings on the windowsill.
- Keep the soil moist, but do not let the water stagnate. Be sure to have holes in the bottom of the container to drain excess moisture.
- They dive after 3 weeks in separate cups, pinching the tops for better branching and the formation of a compact bush. This occurs at the stage of the appearance of the first two true leaves. Use a fork or a toothpick to avoid damage to the roots and make the transplant process less stressful.
- Before planting in flower beds, they are fed every 2 weeks with fertilizer for seedlings. If you intend to plant in flower beds, first harden your 'touchy'. You can take out boxes with seedlings for a day under the crowns of already blossoming trees, and take them home at night.
Ready seedlings are planted at the end of April, when it is already warm enough outside and there is no threat of frost. Before planting in the hole, cut off the central root by a third, so the lateral roots will begin to grow faster and they will be much stronger. Landing is carried out in compliance with a distance of 30-35 cm in a row, so that the balsams can develop normally and not clog each other.
In early July, you can see the first flowers in your flower bed, and new buds will form until the end of autumn.
Reproduction by cuttings
Can be propagated by cuttings taken from April to October from side branches. To root, put them in a jar of water, cutting off the bottom leaves. Then plant one at a time in pots filled with moist potting mix; keep them in a window protected from too much light, or cover the bowl with the seedlings with plastic wrap, leaving a hole for ventilation. This will root faster and reduce exposure to bright light. When the first signs of growth appear, the seedlings can be looked after as mature plants. Good branching is achieved by cutting off the tops of growing shoots. This stimulates lush flowering.
When the summer season is over, collect seeds from the annuals you like. They are stored for 7 years. And perennial bushes can be transplanted into pots, brought into the house, using them later as mother plants.
In autumn and winter, admire the flowers, and with the onset of spring, cut the cuttings - get new bushes. And you can not mess with old plants, which by the end of the season lose their leaves at the bottom and look bare, but take cuttings from the bushes you like at the end of summer, rooting them.
Conditions for growing balsam in the garden
Ideal for balsam: minimal maintenance is required, and the result cannot but be admired: the flower bed is covered with a continuous flowering carpet.
All you need:
- After planting in the ground, weed regularly and lightly loosen the topsoil to keep the flower bed clean of weeds and provide the plant roots with enough air.
- To enjoy lush flowering all summer, do not be too lazy to do foliar top dressing with complex fertilizers at least once every three weeks. do not push on nitrogenous ones, otherwise you will get the opposite effect: the bushes will become powerful, the green mass will actively develop, but flowering will be poor.
- Hot days can be a stressful test for garden balsam, which is why it can even shed not only flowers, but also leaves. To avoid annoying trouble, be attentive to the problem and water every evening, but do not overdo it. Enough soil moisture to a depth of 40 cm.
- If the balsam stretches out, then it does not have enough light. Choose places with partial shade so that at least half a day the plants still get sunbathing. Poor soils, especially heavy clay soils, can cause faded color and poor flowering. The problem is solved simply: add rotten organic matter, preferably from a compost heap.
Growing balsam in a pot
Impatiens blooms best if grown in a small container filled with garden soil or peat-based soil, which should always be moist. The smaller the pot, the faster it blooms. In spring and summer, the plant is placed in a well-ventilated place in direct sunlight (except for the hottest hours), at a temperature of 18 degrees and above, the best place is under the scattered canopy of trees.
Spray the leaves with water only in the most intense heat, because excess moisture can lead to fungal diseases. From May to September, once a week, add a liquid complex fertilizer to the water for irrigation. In autumn, the one-year-old ‘touchy’ is removed from the ground, the long-term winter is kept in a greenhouse or on a cool veranda at a temperature of at least 13 degrees, reducing watering and fertilizing at this time. There is another name for this flower - “Vanka-wet” - they noticed that after watering, tiny droplets of sweetish moisture appear on the tips of its leaves.
Soil and watering
The soil for planting should be slightly acidic, not very nutritious, dense enough. Soil rich in organic matter can enhance the growth of green mass at the expense of flowering, plants saturated with water are quite heavy and can fall out with roots from too loose substrate.
Watered with settled or spring water, without waiting for the top layer of the earth to dry. It is convenient to water by immersion in a large pan of water. The plant will take exactly as much liquid as it needs, and the remaining water is drained from the pan after a while.
Diseases and pests
Balsams are disease resistant. However, excessive humidity, lack of light, or excessively low temperatures can contribute to the development of fungal diseases. For these plants, the red mite is dangerous, breeding under conditions of too dry air, which grinds the leaves; whiteflies that leave scratches on the leaves; green aphid that infects young tender shoots. These pests are controlled with appropriate insecticides.
If you grow Impatiens on the street and plan to move it home in the fall, treat the flower before that too so as not to pick up insects from the street.
Peculiarities. This plant is known to traditional medicine. With its help, ulcers, hemorrhoids, rheumatism attacks are treated. The fleshy leaves are rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, as well as ascorbic acids. Previously, it was placed on the windows of the bedrooms, believing that 'Handy' has a positive effect on male power. ‘Roly-wet’ is endowed with mysterious qualities. It was believed that if your Vanka is luxurious and magnificent, then peace and mutual understanding reign in the family. And suddenly withered - indicated problems with its owners. Even under its influence, the mood of the household improves, a desire for creativity appears and the perception of the world improves. Entrepreneurs help to make the right decision. In general, whatever one may say, there are only pluses from all sides. Here is a wonderful plant ‘Vanka-wet’.
Popular types and varieties of balsam
The genus unites more than 500 species of annual and perennial species, which are especially valued for their bright abundant flowering throughout the summer. All types of balsams grow quickly, resist diseases well. They have a juicy and strong stem up to 50 cm high, green and reddish-brown oval-lanceolate serrated leaves, flowers are simple or in the form of miniature roses. ‘Balsams’ are perennial and annual.
Hawker's balm Impatiens hawkeri
Comes from New Guinea. Flower with purple, green, red-veined leaves. Elliptical leaves with a waxy coating and beige strokes. The flowers are multi-colored with white centers.
From Sri Lanka, with fleshy stems, green leaves and large - from white to pink or red tones - flowers.
This creeping plant with slow growth has creeping brown-red shoots, golden yellow flowers with a spur. Use it as a ground cover. Planted in a pot looks soaring, because. the stems are held parallel to the surface and do not droop. It's not very common in our country yet.
Hybrids of the species Impatiens walleriana or Waller's Impatiens
Originally from the tropics of East Africa, they have a different color: ‘Arabesque’ with white transition to pink petals and bronze-green foliage with brown and yellow veins; ‘Supernova’ with pinkish to red flowers; 'Pink Star' - red with a white rim. A spherical bush about 20 cm high. The most common of all, many modern hybrids have come from it.
The most famous species is Impatiens balsamina or Impatiens balsam
Impatiens balsamina or Impatiens balsam photo
Annual, native to East India, grown not only in flower beds, but also in vegetable gardens for edible inflorescences (pink, red, white), giving a special bouquet to summer salads.
Impatiens balsamina or Impatiens balsam in the photo
There is a forest balsam - an annual, herbaceous, poisonous plant, up to 1m high. It has oblong leaves, yellowish flowers. Seeds - in oval-shaped boxes, when ripe they crack - seeds are scattered throughout the district.
