Balsam Double Mixed is a stunning flowering plant known for its double blooms and vivid colors. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this easy-to-grow plant will add a beautiful pop of color to your garden. Balsam flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, purple, and orange, creating a stunning contrast that lasts all summer. If you’re looking to enhance your garden with vibrant, low-maintenance flowers, Balsam Double Mixed is a perfect choice. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for Balsam Double Mixed. For premium Balsam Double Mixed seeds, visit Avniseeds.com.
About Balsam Double Mixed
Balsam Double Mixed (Impatiens balsamina) is a flowering annual that blooms in a variety of bright colors and forms. The flowers are known for their double petals, which give them a fuller, more layered appearance. Native to Asia, Balsam is a favorite in gardens due to its ease of care and its ability to thrive in a range of climates. The plant grows as a bushy shrub and is perfect for adding vibrant color to garden beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers. Balsam flowers are also excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
At Avniseeds.com, we provide high-quality Balsam Double Mixed seeds to help you grow this stunning flower in your garden.
Why Grow Balsam Double Mixed?
Here are several reasons why Balsam Double Mixed is a fantastic choice for your garden:
- Vibrant Color: With a mix of bright colors, Balsam Double Mixed brings a burst of vibrancy to any garden. The double flowers have a full and lush appearance that makes them stand out.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Balsam flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which helps support local wildlife and biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Balsam Double Mixed is a low-maintenance plant that grows well even for beginner gardeners. It requires minimal care to thrive.
- Versatile Uses: This plant is perfect for garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, or even as border plants. It can be used in various spaces, large or small.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowers bloom throughout the summer, ensuring your garden remains colorful for months.
When to Plant Balsam Double Mixed
The best time to plant Balsam Double Mixed is in spring, after the last frost has passed. This plant thrives in moderate temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Balsam is sensitive to cold temperatures, so be sure to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting outdoors. You can also start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Key planting tips:
- Spring planting after the last frost.
- Optimal temperature: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Start seeds indoors in cooler climates to ensure a head start.
Where to Grow Balsam Double Mixed
Balsam Double Mixed thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it enjoys bright sunlight, it can tolerate some light shade, making it a flexible addition to your garden. The plant prefers well-drained, rich soil and should be planted in an area where water drains well, as it doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil. It grows well in raised beds, garden borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Growing conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade.
- Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Raised beds or containers for smaller spaces.
How to Grow Balsam Double Mixed
Growing Balsam Double Mixed is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for healthy and vibrant flowers:
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve fertility.
- Planting: If planting seeds directly in the garden, sow them about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds 6-8 inches apart to allow for healthy growth. For container planting, use a high-quality potting mix to give the plants a good start.
- Watering: Water gently after planting and keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Balsams prefer consistent moisture, but they are sensitive to over-watering, so ensure good drainage.
- Fertilizing: Balsams benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Use a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to promote strong growth and vibrant flowers.
How to Care for Balsam Double Mixed
Once planted, Balsam Double Mixed requires minimal care:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. This will help keep the plant looking tidy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
- Pruning: Prune back leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. This will also help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases.
- Pest Control: Balsams are generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and slugs. Organic insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.
Companion Plants for Balsam Double Mixed
Balsam Double Mixed makes a great companion plant for many other flowers and plants. Some ideal companions include:
- Marigolds: Marigolds and Balsam Double Mixed both thrive in sunny conditions and help repel pests.
- Petunias: These flowers share similar growing needs and make a colorful duo in garden beds or containers.
- Snapdragons: Snapdragons and Balsam Double Mixed work well together, both in terms of color and growing conditions.
Avoid planting Balsam Double Mixed next to plants that require constant moisture or heavy watering.
Harvesting Balsam Double Mixed
The main purpose of growing Balsam Double Mixed is to enjoy its beautiful blooms, but you can also collect seeds for future planting. Once the flowers have bloomed and faded, allow the seed pods to dry on the plant. Once dry, collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for planting the following season.
Harvesting tips:
- Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- Collect seeds once the flowers have dried and the seed pods are mature.
Final Thoughts on Growing Balsam Double Mixed
Balsam Double Mixed is a vibrant and low-maintenance flowering plant that will add a burst of color and charm to any garden. With its double blooms, easy care, and attractive nature, Balsam is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re planting it in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets, this flowering plant will keep your garden bright and full of life throughout the season. For premium Balsam Double Mixed seeds, visit Avniseeds.com.
