Balsam – 144 seeds – ChiaTai – Thai

Description

Balsam

 

Price: 210 Taka per packet (sale price)

 

Quantity: 144 seeds

Brand: Chia Tai

Country of Or: Thailand

 

Germination Rate (Approx.): __%

Physical Purity (Min): 98%

Genetic Purity (Min): 98%

 

Germination Temperature: 21–29°C (70–85°F). Seeds germinate best in warm conditions, with soil temperatures ideally maintained between 21–24°C for consistent germination. Some sources suggest a slightly lower range of 18–24°C for outdoor sowing, but warmer temperatures (around 24°C) enhance germination rates.

Germination Time: 4–21 days. Most sources indicate germination occurs within 4–15 days under optimal conditions (warm soil, adequate moisture, and light exposure). Indoor germination with a heating mat may take as little as 4–7 days, while outdoor germination may extend to 14–21 days depending on temperature and seed quality.

Plant Height, Span, and Seed Sowing Depth

• Height: 12–36 inches (30–90 cm), depending on the cultivar (e.g., dwarf varieties like ‘Tom Thumb’ reach ~10 inches).
• Span: 10–18 inches (25–45 cm), with plants spreading wider in nutrient-rich soils.
• Seed Sowing Depth: 1/8 inch (3 mm) or surface-sown with light pressing into the soil. Balsam seeds require light exposure for germination, so they should not be deeply covered.

Plant Spacing: 8–18 inches (20–45 cm). Closer spacing (8–12 inches) encourages taller plants, while wider spacing (12–18 inches) promotes bushier, low-growing plants.

Row Spacing: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm). For garden beds, rows should be spaced 12–18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal issues. Wider spacing (up to 24 inches) is recommended for larger cultivars or when grown in nutrient-rich soils.

Trellis or Physical Support Requirement: Not typically required. Balsam plants have sturdy, upright stems that generally do not need trellising. However, taller cultivars (e.g., reaching 36 inches) may benefit from staking in windy areas or loose soils to prevent toppling.

Seed to Bloom Time: 60–70 days. From sowing to first blooms, balsam typically takes about 2 months under optimal conditions. Indoor starts may slightly reduce this period.

Bloom Duration: 15–20 days per bloom, with continuous blooming from late spring to early fall (June–October in temperate climates). The plant produces new flowers rapidly, extending the overall bloom period until the first frost.

Flower Shape and Size

• Shape: Cup-shaped or double-layered, resembling mini roses or camellias. Some cultivars have a hooded appearance with a prominent spur.
• Size: 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) in diameter, with double-flowered varieties often larger (up to 3 inches).

Lifespan: Annual (6–8 months). Balsam completes its lifecycle within one growing season, from spring sowing to frost. In tropical climates (USDA zones 10–12), it may persist longer but is typically grown as an annual.

Pot Size/Container Size/Bed Size

• Pot Size: 10–12 inches in diameter with a depth of 8–12 inches for single plants. Larger containers (12–16 inches) are suitable for multiple plants or larger cultivars.
• Bed Size: For garden beds, allocate 1 square foot per plant for optimal growth and air circulation.
• Depth: Containers should have a minimum depth of 8 inches to accommodate the root system.

Soil Type and Composition, pH Level

• Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Balsam thrives in soil with good moisture retention but not waterlogged conditions.
• Composition:
  • 40% garden soil (loamy)
  • 30% compost or well-rotted manure
  • 20% peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
  • 10% perlite or sand (for drainage)
• pH Level: 5.6–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). A pH of 6.0–6.5 is ideal for nutrient uptake.

Sunlight and Light Requirements

• Daily Sunlight: 3–8 hours. Balsam thrives in full sun (6–8 hours) but tolerates partial shade (3–4 hours) with afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorching.
• Germination Light: Indirect or bright light for 10–15 hours daily. Seeds require light exposure and should not be covered with soil.

Water Requirement and Intervals

• Water Amount:
  • Seedlings: 0.5–1 liter per plant every 2–3 days to keep soil moist.
  • Mature Plants (12–36 inches): 1–2 liters per plant every 3–4 days, adjusted for weather (more frequent in hot, dry conditions; less in rainy periods).
• Intervals:
  • Seedlings: Water daily or every 2 days to maintain consistent moisture.
  • Established plants: Water 1–2 times per week, ensuring the top 1 inch of soil remains moist but not soggy. Potted plants may require daily watering in summer.

Companion Plants

• • Marigolds (repel pests like aphids)
  • Petunias (complement shade tolerance and aesthetics)
  • Nasturtiums (attract beneficial insects and deter pests)
  • Cosmos (enhance garden diversity and attract pollinators)
• These plants share similar light and soil requirements and help deter pests or attract pollinators.

Fragrance: Mild to moderate fragrance, rated 3–5/10. Some cultivars release a subtle sweet scent, particularly at night, but it is not overpowering compared to flowers like jasmine or roses.

Pest Types and Control Methods

• Pests:
  • Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects causing curled leaves.
    • Chemical Control: Imidacloprid or neem oil-based insecticides.
    • Organic Control: Spray with a mixture of 1 tbsp dish soap per liter of water or introduce ladybugs.
  • Spider Mites: Cause yellowing and webbing on leaves.
    • Chemical Control: Miticides like abamectin.
    • Organic Control: Neem oil or high-pressure water spray to dislodge mites.
  • Whiteflies: Small white insects causing leaf yellowing.
    • Chemical Control: Insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.
    • Organic Control: Yellow sticky traps or neem oil.
• Prevention: Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to reduce pest attraction.

Disease Types and Control Methods

• Diseases:
  • Powdery Mildew: White coating on leaves, worsened by humidity.
    • Chemical Control: Fungicides like sulfur or myclobutanil.
    • Organic Control: Apply a 1:10 milk-water solution or baking soda spray (1 tsp per liter of water).
  • Oedema: Leaf distortion due to excess moisture.
    • Chemical Control: None; focus on prevention.
    • Organic Control: Improve drainage with perlite and avoid overwatering.
  • Root Knot Nematodes: Cause galls on roots, leading to wilting.
    • Chemical Control: Nematicides like oxamyl (restricted use).
    • Organic Control: Plant marigolds as a companion or use compost rich in beneficial microbes.
• Prevention: Use well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and maintain good air circulation.

Essential Nutrients and Organic Fertilizers

• Nutrients:
  • Nitrogen (N): 5–10% for vegetative growth.
  • Phosphorus (P): 10–15% for root and flower development.
  • Potassium (K): 10–15% for overall health and disease resistance.
  • Micronutrients: Calcium, magnesium, and trace elements like iron and zinc.
• Organic Fertilizers:
  • Compost: Provides balanced N-P-K (5-5-5) and micronutrients.
  • Fish Emulsion: High in nitrogen (5-1-1) and trace elements.
  • Bone Meal: Rich in phosphorus (3-15-0) for flowering.
  • Wood Ash: Supplies potassium (0-0-5) and calcium.
• Sources:

Organic Fertilizer Application for Container Plants

• Container Size: 10–12 inches in diameter, 8–12 inches deep.
• Fertilizer Amounts and Intervals:
  • Compost: 100–150 g per plant, mixed into the top 2 inches of soil at planting. Reapply 50 g every 6–8 weeks.
  • Fish Emulsion: 10–15 ml diluted in 1 liter of water, applied every 2 weeks during the growing season.
  • Bone Meal: 20–30 g per plant, mixed into soil at planting and once mid-season.
  • Wood Ash: 10–15 g sprinkled around the base every 4–6 weeks.
• Note: Follow product-specific dilution instructions for liquid fertilizers.

Chemical Fertilizer Requirement and Application Rate

• Fertilizer: Balanced water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
• Application Rate:
  • Seedlings (2–6 inches): 5–10 g per plant, diluted in 1 liter of water, every 2 weeks.
  • Mature Plants (12–36 inches): 15–20 g per plant, diluted in 1–2 liters of water, every 2–3 weeks.
• Note: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth over flowers. Apply in the morning and water thoroughly to prevent root burn.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

• Benefits:
  • Traditional Medicine: Used in Asian medicine for treating snakebites, burns, warts, rheumatism, fractures, and skin inflammations. Juice from leaves and flowers is applied topically.
  • Modern Uses: Extracts show activity against antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori and inhibit 5α-reductase, potentially aiding in hair growth and digestive issues.
  • Other Uses: Leaves and flowers are edible, used in curries and salads in some cultures.
• Caution: May cause photosensitivity in some individuals, leading to skin rashes upon sun exposure.

Special Characteristics

• Explosive Seed Dispersal: Seed pods burst when touched, scattering seeds up to several feet, earning the name “touch-me-not.”
• Vibrant Colors: Flowers in pink, red, white, mauve, purple, and bicolor varieties, resembling mini roses or camellias.
• Self-Seeding: Prolific self-seeder, potentially invasive in tropical climates if not managed.

Care for More Flowers

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers and seed pods to encourage continuous blooming.
• Pinching: Pinch back stems at 4–6 inches to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
• Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks.
• Sunlight: Ensure 3–6 hours of sunlight with afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal Germination Month in Bangladesh: January–February. Bangladesh’s climate in early spring (average temperatures 20–25°C) is ideal for balsam seed germination, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and cold snaps of winter. Based on weather data from 2023–2024, these months provide stable warmth and moderate humidity.

Native Climate and Region

• Climate: Tropical and subtropical climates.
• Region: Native to India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia. Widely naturalized in tropics, subtropics, and warmer temperate zones.

Seed Germination Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy). Balsam seeds germinate readily with light exposure, warm soil (21–29°C), and consistent moisture.

Growing Difficulty: 3/10 (Moderately Easy). Balsam is low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal care beyond watering and occasional fertilization. Challenges include managing self-seeding and preventing powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Average Number of Seeds per Gram

• Estimate: 100–150 seeds per gram. Exact counts vary by cultivar, with smaller seeds yielding higher counts per gram.

Three Specialties

• Ornamental Appeal: Vibrant, long-lasting blooms ideal for cottage gardens and containers.
• Medicinal Uses: Traditional remedies for skin ailments, burns, and digestive issues.
• Pollinator Attraction: Draws bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Two Beautiful Quotes

• “The balsam flower, with its vibrant hues, whispers of nature’s joy, bursting forth like a quiet celebration of life.” – Inspired by
• “In the touch-me-not’s delicate blooms, we find a reminder that beauty often hides a spirited heart, ready to scatter its seeds with a single touch.” – Inspired by

Three Unknown Facts

• Cultural Symbolism: In Okinawan and Japanese culture, balsam is used in folk songs to symbolize guidance and individuality, as seen in “Tinsagu Nu Hana” and “Housenka.”
• Natural Dye: Flowers and leaves have been used historically as a natural dye for fingernails in Nepal during festivals.
• Edible Plant: Leaves and flowers are edible, used in culinary dishes like curries and salads in some Asian cultures.

Scientific Name and Family

• Scientific Name: Impatiens balsamina
• Family: Balsaminaceae

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GROWING TIPS

Recommended Items for Seedling Preparation:

-Seedling Tray Bed

–Ready Mix Soil – Potting Mix – MGSS3020

Water Spray Bottle – 500 ml

Disclaimer: In accordance with the universal custom of seed trade we give no warranty expressed or implied as to description, quality, productivity or any other matter of any way for the crop results beyond the purchased price especially under unsuitable season, abnormal weather, unsuitable soil and other unexpected conditions.

বীজ ব্যবসার সার্বজনীন প্রথা অনুযায়ী আমরা বিশেষত অনুপযুক্ত ঋতুতে, বিশেষত অনিয়মিত আবহাওয়া, অনুপযুক্ত মাটি এবং অন্যান্য ক্রয়মূল্যের বাইরে ফসলের ফলনের বর্ণনা, গুণমান, উৎপাদনশীলতা বা অন্য যে কোনও বিষয়ে বর্ণিত ওয়ারেন্টি প্রদান করি না অপ্রত্যাশিত শর্ত

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