BALSAM

Impatiens Balsamina. Half-hardy annual



The older methods of growing Balsams prescribed a false system,

comprising disbudding, stopping, and other interferences with the

natural growth of the plant. The rule of pinching back the leader to

promote the growth of side shoots, and removing the flower buds to

increase the size of the plants, was altogether vicious, because the

natural growth is more elegant and effective. The finest flowers are

produced on the main stem, and these are completely sacrificed by

disbudding.



It is desirable to make two or three sowings of Balsam, say from the

middle of March to the middle of May, the earlier sowings to be put on a

sweet hot-bed, although March sowings will soon germinate in a frame,

and the May sowing may be made in the open ground on a prepared bed. The

soil at every stage should be rich and light, but not rank in any

degree. Prick out the plants from the seed-pans directly the first rough

leaves show, and soon after shift them again to encourage a stout dwarf

habit. A sunny position should be chosen for the bed, in which they may

be planted out about the first week of June, or earlier if the weather

is particularly favourable. Heat, moisture, and a strong light favour a

fine bloom, and, therefore, water must be given whenever dry weather

prevails for any length of time. If kept sturdy while under glass, they

will need no support of any kind, and although they are peculiarly

fleshy in texture, it is seldom they are injured, even by a gale. When

grown in pots throughout, the chief points are to shift them often in

the early stages, to promote free growth in every reasonable way, and to

cease shifting when they are in pots sufficiently large to sustain the

strength of the plants. Generally speaking, eight-inch pots will suffice

for very fine Balsams, but ten-inch pots may be used for plants from an

early sowing. They will probably not show a flower-bud while increased

pot room is allowed them; but as soon as their roots touch the sides of

the pots the bloom will appear. It is occasionally the practice to lift

plants from beds when pot Balsams are wanted. This method has the

advantage of being the least troublesome, and as the plants need not be

lifted until the flowers show, favourite colours can be chosen.